Preconception Counseling

Preconception counselling is mainly consulting your doctor when a woman makes up her mind to get pregnant or decides to start a family. The goal of this counselling is to assist women in mentally preparing for pregnancy as a woman's body goes through a lot of changes after they gets pregnant and also to identify and address any health and medical issues in detail before becoming pregnant. It is recommended to consult a doctor at least three months before planning for pregnancy.

What Points Will Your Doctor Cover During Your Preconception Counselling?

Here are some of the points that your doctor is likely to cover:

• Family History: Knowing the family history of both partners gives an idea of any genetic disorders or conditions that need to be taken care of. Your medical history helps your doctor to provide you with the best treatments in the present and future. It also informs your provider, if they need to conduct some extra tests or look out for any condition that might develop during pregnancy. Here is some of the history that needs to be shared: Diabetes, High blood pressure, blindness, deafness, birth defects, mental disorders etc.
• Your Medical History: Surgeries and hospitalisations in the past, any medical issue that you're dealing with, allergies and what medications are you on are some of the information your doctor will need.
• Your Obstetrics And Gynaecology History: Your healthcare provider might want to know your history related to your past pregnancies, menstrual history, any vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive usage and more.
• Your Lifestyle: It is very important to live a healthy lifestyle as it supports healthy pregnancy. Eating a nutritious diet and working out helps maintain a good lifestyle.
• Vaccinations: You may need to get some additional vaccinations either before or after you become pregnant.

What Can You Expect During Your Preconception Counselling?

You may expect to have a complete medical check-up, here's a list of tests that you may go through:

• Physical Examination: Your doctor may check your lungs, heart, abdomen, blood pressure, weight, thyroid and pelvic check.
• Laboratory Testing: These tests may help your provider to look out for any diseases or issues. You will be tested for rubella, thyroid, HIV, blood count, asthma, hepatitis and diabetes.

Your doctor may guide you regarding how to keep a check on your menstrual cycles and ovulation every month.

What Sort Of Tests Will You And Your Partner Go Through During Your Appointment For Preconception Counselling?

Your healthcare provider may advise you and your partner to get genetic counseling first before planning for pregnancy specifically if you have some pre-existing family condition. This information will help your doctor understand in more detail so that he or she can lay out a special plan for you, notify you of any risks and suggest you go through some tests such as sickle trait or sickle cell disease and Tay-Sachs.

What's Next After Your Preconception Counselling Consultation?

Your doctor may give you some suggestions regarding your overall health and lifestyle changes, the list includes:

• Ditching Smoking and Drinking.
• Reducing Weight.
• Visiting some health care specialists for health issues before becoming pregnant.
• Avoid taking medicines that are not good for your pregnancy.
• Increasing your immunity.
• Taking prescribed vitamins.
• Avoiding unnecessary stress.

What Other Lifestyle Changes Should You Follow For Pregnancy?

It is important to keep exercising while you're pregnant. It is advised to exercise at least three times a week. If you feel too tired while exercising then the best is not to push too hard and stop to avoid unnecessary exhaustion. Keep yourself hydrated all the time. Following a good nutritious diet would keep you and your baby healthy. It is recommended to take at least 300 calories per day during pregnancy. Having a healthy routine and diet would support you throughout your pregnancy.

Conclusion

Preconception counselling allows you to detect and treat diseases and disorders that may affect you or your infant before you become pregnant. Studies suggest that women who receive preconception counselling have children who are less likely to suffer from certain types of issues or diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Koramangala. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.