What a Preconception Health Check Is and Why It’s Important
Preconception health checks are medical assessments that take place before you become pregnant. The checks evaluate your overall health and identify potential issues affecting your pregnancy or your baby’s well-being. Remember, these checkups are not just for women; partners should also consider their health!
Preconception checks look at your overall health and well-being by doing the following:
- Identifying potential risks
They help identify and address any underlying health issues that could complicate pregnancy or harm your baby. - Optimizing health
They provide an opportunity to optimize your health, including addressing lifestyle factors like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. - Personalized advice
Your OBGYN will give you personalized guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other factors to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. While the internet is useful for general pre-pregnancy tips, nothing beats personalized advice from a medical professional who knows and understands your unique medical history.
Preconception Checks and What They Include
Preconception checks usually include one or more of the following components. Part of this will depend on your case:
- Medical History
This is a thorough review of your medical history, obstetric & gynecological history, and any chronic conditions you may have. All of this will help your doctor assess any potential risks. This is particularly important if you suffer from conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or high blood pressure. - Physical Examination
A physical examination, including weight, blood pressure, and general health assessment, may be conducted if needed. - Medications Review
If you are on medication for a particular condition, your doctor will review your medications at all preconception check ups to ensure they work as expected. It is also good to list all the medicines you currently take and how long you have been taking them.Additionally, make a note of any supplements that you’re taking to ensure that they’re compatible with pregnancy. - Screening for Infectious Diseases
Testing for infectious diseases like rubella and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) helps determine if you are immune or need vaccination. - Vaccines
If there are vaccines that you have not yet received as an adult, it’s time for you to update your vaccine status. It’s essential to do so before you are pregnant. Remember, the importance of vaccines is that mothers vaccinated against certain viruses naturally pass that immunity down to their babies. - Recommend Genetic Tests
Depending on your ethnicity, your doctor may recommend genetic tests for:- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia (an inherited form of anemia)
- Genetic diseases common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, such as Tay-Sachs disease
- Tips and Advice on How to Stay Healthy During Your Pregnancy
Your doctor may provide some general guidance on staying healthy during your pregnancy, including tips on diet & nutrition, exercise, and a review of any other medical conditions you may have. - Other items of discussion
Other topics that may come up during the pre-conception check include:- Help with stopping birth control if you haven’t already.
- Help with programs like stop-smoking, substance abuse, or mental health issues if needed.
- Undergo blood tests if necessary.
Lastly, go prepared with any questions that you may have. A preconception health checkup is also a great time to speak to your doctor about any pregnancy-related issues that concern you personally.
Preconception check-ups are designed to give you and your doctor a good starting point regarding your health and any possible issues that may impact conception or birth. This appointment is an excellent first step to take before becoming pregnant, just to ensure that your medical health is in order before conceiving.