What is a Preconception Check-Up?

The pregnancy period comes with numerous symptoms that you haven't experienced before. You go through mental, physical, and emotional changes. And the journey from conception to delivery is a long one. To give your child the right start in life, a preconception check-up can help determine that no pre-existing medical issues can harm the newborn. These tests include an extensive evaluation of your lifestyle, habits, medical history, and so on.

What Type of Questions Should be Expected?

Menstrual Cycle - You will need to provide details regarding your menstrual cycle, general period lengths, symptoms, and much more.
Diet and Lifestyle - General questions regarding your lifestyle and food habits will be enquired upon. Your diet, calorie intake, habits (like alcohol, caffeine, smoking), and so on will need to be monitored.
Medical History - The doctor might ask queries on medical conditions/issues persisting in your family and your health. Thus, any underlying chronic disorders/issues will need to be monitored.
Medications - You will be asked to provide information on the drugs you are on whether herbal or non-herbal. Your conception will be determined upon the discontinuity or continuity of these medications.
Birth Control Pills - Your doctor will need to track your cycle to let you know when to stop taking them.

When to See a Doctor?

For a preconception check-up, the ideal time to visit a doctor would be at least 3 months before planning your pregnancy.

What are Some of the Common Preconception Tests?

Physical Examination - A detailed test to evaluate your height, blood pressure, weight, cardiovascular system, abdomen, and lungs will be taken to look for any sign of a medical condition.
Gynaecological Exam - A genital examination will be taken to rule out any growths or STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Then, a PAP test will be recommended to you to check for an HPV test or cervical cancer. You might also be given a pelvic examination to look for any masses, tenderness, or lumps.
Urine Test - A routine urine test will reveal any presence of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). Then the urine sample will be sent for a culture test to detect any sugar. If sugar is detected, then you'll need to go through a glucose tolerance test to check whether you've diabetes.
Blood Test - A blood test will screen for medical conditions such as:
- Thalassemia, anaemia, or any other haemoglobin variant
- Immunity to chickenpox, rubella, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV, or other STIs
- Thyroid dysfunction
USG or Ultrasound - USG of the abdomen will reveal any cysts or abnormal growths in the ovaries, the uterine size, or any fibroids.
Screening of Genetic Disorder - This will be recommended depending on your and your partner's health history. The screening will help determine any risk of passing on a genetic history like sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis.

Conclusion

Your and your partner's mental health is also as important as your physical fitness. If there are any fears or insecurities, it is healthy to share them with your partner and doctor. Preconception check-ups are the best time to inquire with your physician about any doubts you have. They will help you to the best of their abilities and support you throughout your pregnancy journey.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, DELHI-NCR - Moti Nagar. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. What are the vital steps to follow while planning a pregnancy?

If you're planning to get pregnant, the NHS suggest that you make the following changes:
1. Ingest 400 mcg of Folic Acid every day
2. Quit smoking, alcohol, and illegal substances
3. Stay physically active
4. Moderate your caffeine consumption
5. Have a balanced diet to improve your fertility and baby's health
6. Achieve a healthy body weight for your height

2. Is there any preconception care for men?

Before conception, men need to ensure the following as part of their preconception care to improve the quality and quantity of their sperms:
1. Avoid high pressure, electromagnetic radiation, and heat to keep the testicles cool.
2. Get a basic health check-up that involves an STI test and a sperm test.
3. Avoid alcohol and smoking as they not only affect the sperm but also the overall health.
4. Reach your healthy weight for your height. This can be achieved by eating a balanced diet. Avoid processed food at all costs.
5. Reduce stress by balancing the work-life.

3. Is a preconception check-up necessary?

It is ideal to talk to a healthcare provider before you plan to conceive. Preconception check-ups reveal a lot of information that can help deliver a healthy baby in the future.

4. What are the chances of me getting diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy?

Many things happen during a pregnancy that is out of your control. However, with preconception care and regular prenatal check-ups, you can lower any pregnancy issues and complications.

5. Can exercising increase the chances of conceiving?

Studies show that women who exercise moderately are likely to conceive faster than women who don't. It can not only help reach your healthy body weight but also aid women who suffer from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).