A preconception or prepregnancy checkup is a medical health checkup to ensure that a woman is in sound health to conceive. The gynecologist looks for health conditions that may cause problems for the woman and the baby during the pregnancy.

Women desiring to get pregnant for the first time or having a history of pregnancy/ pregnancies should consider preconception checkups. The checkup also aims to detect the causes of infertility. The pre-pregnancy medical checkup involves a series of tests to determine possible issues that may hamper conception and smooth pregnancy.

What you should know about a preconception checkup

Pre-pregnancy care is as vital as care during pregnancy. The percentage of pregnancies at a later age is significant. These elderly mothers should be extra careful about their health before considering pregnancy.

The series of tests in a preconception health checkup helps you and your partner know how to improve your chances of conception and healthy pregnancy. The test will determine that your body is ready for pregnancy. Considering a preconception, a full body checkup is crucial if you have chronic health conditions, genetic disorders, or are in your 30s to 40s.

Risk factors associated with the test

There are no significant risks or complications of preconception health checkups. Using sterile equipment such as needles during blood tests is necessary to avoid the risk of infections because of contamination. A Pap smear test may cause slight bleeding or cramps. Consult your physician if severe cramping or bleeding lasts over three days following the Pap smear test procedure.

Preparing for a preconception health checkup

Consulting your gynecologist when you and your partner decide to have a baby is vital. Before advising a preconception medical checkup, the doctor will assess your general physical condition and discuss several aspects of your preconception health.

The physician will also discuss your partner's health and lifestyle. Prepare yourself with the following checklist before visiting a gynecologist for the preconception checkup:

Current birth control methods
Previous pregnancies, if any
Problems during previous pregnancies
Record of menstrual cycles
Medical history such as chronic conditions
Existing medication
Current status of vaccination
Diet
Lifestyle and habits
Family history of both partners

What to expect from a preconception medical checkup

You will undergo several tests to determine your readiness for conception and subsequent pregnancy.

General physical checkup- A thorough physical exam comprises checking the functioning of the heart, lungs, and other systems.

Gynecological health checkup- The gynecological exam includes checking genitals for sexually transmitted infections. The gynecologist will recommend a Pap smear test to rule out HPV infection or cervical cancer.

Blood tests- Blood tests are crucial in preconception health checkups to look for anaemia, thyroid problems, and infections. A blood test also helps determine the blood group.

Kidney and liver function tests- This test is done to check the health of the kidney and liver.

USG- Ultrasound test of the abdomen helps gynecologists detect ovarian or uterine cysts and fibroids. The USG is also helpful in determining the size of the uterus.

Genetic screening- The genetic screening test will determine the risk of passing on genetic disorders to the baby.

Possible results of a preconception checkup

The presence of chronic disorders like hypertension or diabetes can cause issues during pregnancy. The preconception checkup may detect these conditions. Your physician will recommend dose adjustment and suggest precautions during pregnancy to avoid complications.

Blood tests are essential to rule out sexually transmitted diseases, as these can seriously harm the fetus and the mother. Both partners should consider STD testing to safeguard against risks, including interference with the woman's ability to conceive. Blood tests are also helpful for knowing the haemoglobin count. A low count requires treatment for anaemia to improve the would-be mother's health.

When to see a doctor for a preconception checkup

Visit a gynecologist for a preconception checkup three months before conceiving to make sure that you will have a healthy pregnancy. The doctor will check you for conditions affecting your ability to get pregnant.

A preconception health checkup is necessary for women who want to conceive again following past pregnancies. The following situations mandate a preconception medical checkup for a healthy pregnancy.

Miscarriages
History of premature deliveries
Baby having birth-defects

Conclusion

The preconception checkup facilitates tackling health issues that may affect the would-be-mom and the baby-to-be-born. It also boosts the chances of conception if the woman is in her thirties or forties. Women who want to conceive after a previous delivery should also consider a preconception checkup.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. Why is it required to attend a preconception medical checkup with the partner?

A preconception checkup involves a few tests, like sperm analysis, genetic screening, and STD screening for both partners. The presence of your husband is also crucial during counselling sessions.

2. Are fertility testing and preconception health checkup the same?

A preconception check is a comprehensive health assessment before conception and pregnancy, while fertility testing aims to determine the cause of infertility.

3. Why is a preconception checkup important?

A preconception checkup provides an individual assessment of factors that may hamper conception and safe pregnancy. It detects and addresses problems to prevent complications in the health of the mother and child. It is thus important to do this test.