Preconception checkup & Healthy pregnancy 

What is a preconception checkup?

Preconception means – Before / conception (trying to be pregnant)
A preconception checkup/counseling is a health checkup for both father and mother (parents), who are planning for a baby. In this checkup, you and the ob-gyn can understand whether your body is ready for a healthy pregnancy.

It is advised that before planning for a pregnancy you should bring your body to a healthy state to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby without facing any complications.

 

Is a preconception checkup a must before pregnancy?

 

Yes, a health checkup before pregnancy planning is highly recommended. Preconception checkups help identify any underlying health conditions or risk factors that could affect the mother’s health and the baby’s development during pregnancy.

 

Why preconception checkup is important?

 

By undergoing a preconception checkup, potential health challenges can be identified and addressed before conception occurs. This allows individuals to make any necessary lifestyle changes, seek appropriate treatment, or manage existing conditions to optimize their health before becoming pregnant. It also provides an opportunity to discuss any concerns, ask questions, and receive guidance from healthcare professionals.

 

Certain health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, hypertension, depression, and pulmonary diseases can have direct or indirect impacts on pregnancy and the baby’s growth. These conditions may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, preterm labor, birth defects, and miscarriage. By addressing these conditions before conception, the risks can be minimized, and appropriate management strategies can be put in place.

 

Preconception checkups are beneficial regardless of whether it’s the first pregnancy or subsequent pregnancies. If previous pregnancies were with complications, it’s important to ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed to promote a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies.

 

The importance of having a preconception checkup:

 

•Identify and manage existing medical conditions:  Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or infections can affect pregnancy outcomes. By detecting and managing these conditions before conception you can optimize your health and reduce potential risk.

 

•Review medications: Some medications are not good for conception. A health checkup allows you to discuss your medication and health condition with the doctor who can suggest you an alternate option or to stop these medications.

 

•Evaluate immunization status: Checking your status of immunization is very important, because some infections like rubella, and chickenpox can have a major impact on your developing embryo (which grows into a fetus). This checkup can remind you to be up-to-date on vaccinations, which can help protect you and your baby.

 

•Assess nutritional status: Having an idea about the nutritional status of your body is a must, which can help you to understand the nutritional deficiency and can start to follow a balanced diet and necessary supplements. Nutrition is important for the fetus’s development.

 

•Screen for genetic conditions:  Inherited health risks can be avoided through a screen for genetic conditions. In some situations, the family health history and ethnic backgrounds make an influence on the baby’s health.

 

•Mental health checkup: It is suggested to take counseling before planning for pregnancy. Which can find anxiety or other issues.

 

•Address lifestyle factors: smoking, lack of exercise, heavy exercise, obesity, overweight, and fast food, they all have a great impact on the pregnancy and baby’s health.

 

 

When should we start the checkup?

 

Your ob-gyn can suggest the perfect time gap. It’s always according to your decision but recommended that a year before planning a pregnancy is apt for preconception checkups.

At least you have to have a preconception checkup before 6 months.

 

In Millennium Hospital which mainly focused on women and child care, our team of professional doctors and midwifes who can help you and provide you best possible care. You can get in touch with us by clicking contact

 

You can also Schedule an appointment with our doctors through  Book an Appointment