The first piece of advice is to set a preconception health examination appointment. This visit is important as it will put both you and your partner in the best health status possible before an attempt to conceive is made. A preconception visit includes advice, the identification of potential problems, and improvement of the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
Let’s take a look at the preconception checkup, the tests and screening that are usually included.
Initial Consultation
The doctor will first sit down with you and discuss various aspects in relation to your health, living habits and your intention to have a baby. This conversation will cover:
Menstrual History: Personal’s menstrual history can be defined as the data concerning its predictability, duration, and possible manifestations.
Contraceptive History: Any history of the contraceptives used and when they were stopped Other information about the use of any contraceptive.
Pregnancy History: Previous pregnancies and any previous durational or rehearsed results of any pregnancy.
General Health: Overall health status, which may consist of or exclude any existing disease or any diseases that the client has recently contracted.
Lifestyle Factors: Your diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol and drug history, Use of medications and previous illnesses.
Physical Examination
An extensive history and general physical assessment are carried out to evaluate your health status. This examination may include:
Weight and Height: Sometimes even to determine if one is within a healthy weight range that is ideal for carrying a pregnancy.
Blood Pressure: Pregnancy is not suitable for women with high blood pressure as it endangers the life of the expectant mother as well as her unborn child.
Pelvic Exam: To examine the general health of your reproductive organs, analyze any irregularities and rule out infections.
Important Tests and Screenings
Several tests and screenings are recommended during the preconception visit in order to assess the health of the mother and whether there are any factors that will interfere with the pregnancy.
Blood Tests
To rule out the possibility of any disease affecting the blood and specifically for anaemia. To make sure patients do not inherit the wrong blood type from their parents, or to know whether intended partners share the same blood type.
Thyroid Function Tests
To evaluate thyroid function since thyroid diseases are potential factors that may influence female fertility and pregnancy.
Hormone Levels
In assessing fertility treatments like clomiphene which works by stimulating the ovaries to release eggs, hormone levels like FSH, LH, and progesterone.
Infectious Diseases
As a pre-employment and pre-placement standard assessment for immunity to HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and rubella.
Genetic Screening
Genetic counseling in this case entails tests that can be used to prevent or minimise potential genetic disorders which may be inherited by the baby. Your doctor may advise you to take carrier screening with regard to conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, and other diseases.
Urine Tests
This can be done through urine tests which can detect urinary tract infections or any other condition that could occur in pregnant women.
Preparing for the Checkup
It is possible to describe several crucial tips which will help prepare for the preconception checkup in advance. Here are some tips:
Health Records: Also, it is recommended to bring any prior clinical records such as tests, vaccinations, chronic conditions, or treatments the patient has gone through.
Medication List: This may include a list of all medications and dietary supplements currently in use together with the doses of the same.
Questions: It is recommended that women should keep a diary where they list any issues they wish to address with their healthcare providers regarding their health or fertility, pregnancy, and so on.
Partner’s Information: Have your partner accompany you to the checkup or give information concerning their medical past and their families.
A preconception health screening is a critical feature in promoting a healthy pregnancy. It lets you and your doctor ascertain if there could be an issue that requires to be handled before conception and allows for a healthy pregnancy. This way, you are prepared for the most vital exams, recognising all the screening processes that you are going to go through.
