Preconception Counseling

Everything You Need to Know About Preconception Counseling

Discuss During Appointment | What Happens During | Partner Tests | Lifestyle Changes | FAQs

During a preconception counseling appointment

Your healthcare practitioner will address the following things with you during your visit:

History of the family

Genetic diseases or illnesses that may be handed down to a kid may be revealed by researching your family history and your partner’s family history. Knowing that history may help your healthcare professionals better treat you if you and your kid have a medical history. If your doctor has to conduct further tests or keep an eye out for the development of certain problems throughout pregnancy, they may also use this information to notify you. If you’d like, you may tell your doctor about any of the following in your family’s medical history:

• High blood pressure (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes
• Disorders of the mind
• Blindness
• Deafness
• A child is born with birth abnormalities (congenital conditions)
• Sickle cell disease and sickle trait are both ethnic illnesses
• Multiple births, such as twins

Your medical history in general

Your doctor must have a complete picture of your health before becoming pregnant. Your caregiver will want to talk about the following things with you at your appointment:

• You may have had surgeries, hospitalizations, or blood transfusions in the past
• Existing medical problems, such as diabetes or heart disease
• Exist any sensitivities to anything in particular
• Medications you may be taking at the moment

The history of your OB/GYN visits

Your doctor will inquire about your OB/GYN history during the discussion of your medical history. Most women can become pregnant unless they have an STD or a vaginal infection, although this is not always the case. If your doctor suspects an illness that may cause problems during conception or pregnancy, she may order cervical cultures or blood tests. The following are examples of possible issues to bring up with your service provider:

• Any prior pregnancies are prohibited
• A history of your menstrual cycle
• Use of birth control methods
• The illness spread via sexual contact (STDs)
• Any prior history of uterine anomalies that are known to exist
• Pap smears or any therapy for abnormal pap smears, for that matter
• Infections of the womb

Lifestyle

Healthy habits are especially essential during pregnancy. This entails eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting plenty of exercises, abstaining from drugs and smoking, and being aware of and protecting yourself from any environmental dangers.

Vaccination

Before you become pregnant, your doctor may recommend that you get updated or extra immunizations. Some of these shots may need to be administered to you before you get pregnant. Attend your visit with your immunization records in hand.

What happens during my preconception counseling appointment?

Several tests may be performed by your doctor during preconception counseling. These examinations may consist of the following components:

An examination of the body

During your preconception visit, your doctor may do a physical exam. Your caregiver may be asked to participate in this examination:

• Checking your heart, lungs, thyroid, and breasts
• Doing a pelvic exam
• Checking your blood pressure
• Making a note of your weight

Lab tests

To find out whether someone is sick or has a condition, doctors perform these tests. Among the many kinds of tests, you may have are the following:

• Examining for the presence of rubella
• Testing for hepatitis
• The total number of cells in your body (CBC)
• A pap smear
• Diabetes screening
• Testing for thyroid issues
• Testing for HIV

A woman’s health care professional will also go through how to track her monthly cycle and when she ovulates. Then, a prenatal supplement containing 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid may be prescribed. It would help if you began taking it as soon as you learned what you expected. Prenatal vitamins may help your baby before you even realize you’re pregnant.

What types of tests will my partner do?

If you or your spouse’s family has a history of certain genetic disorders, your doctor may recommend that you and your partner get genetic counseling before becoming pregnant. In addition, to your healthcare team, this procedure will provide a wealth of data that may be useful throughout your pregnancy.

The information you get from genetic counseling may help your doctor identify risk factors you may not be aware of and help you prepare for them. You may also be checked for Tay-Sachs or sickle cell disease/sickle trait. These illnesses are contagious and may be handed down through generations in one’s family.

What other lifestyle changes should I keep in mind as I prepare for pregnancy?

Women may exercise while pregnant if they want to. However, intermittent activity is preferable to regular exercise (at least three times a week) (altering between active and inactive periods). Pregnant women should not exercise until they are completely exhausted and should stop as soon as they get tired. Also, remember to drink enough water throughout the day. A nutritious diet is critical, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use.

Pregnancy nutrition is critical for your baby’s growth and development. You’ll require approximately 300 more calories per day than before you became pregnant when you’re pregnant. Before you become pregnant, you may help yourself develop excellent eating habits that will last for your pregnancy and beyond by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

FAQs Preconception Counselling

Advice for women with a history of miscarriage

• Assure ladies that a future pregnancy will be a success.
• Make an appointment with an experienced gynecologist for women who have had three or more miscarriages.

Advice for women with a history of chronic diseases

• Many chronic illnesses and their therapies may affect the health and development of the fetus. Pregnancy and childbirth may also exacerbate pre-existing medical problems in mothers.
• Before conception, women should be able to talk about the risks and make well-informed decisions about their reproductive health, illness management, and medicines.
• Persuade female patients in primary care to continue using contraception and their normal medications until they’ve had an in-depth evaluation with their specialized team and other standard preconception care.

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