Do You Need Preconception Counselling?

What Exactly is Preconception counseling?

Preconception counseling is your way to a healthy and happy pregnancy. You will need to take care of your health even before you get pregnant. That's why you must visit your healthcare provider for counseling for discussing various aspects of pregnancy and how to have a healthy pregnancy. The best time to set up an appointment for counseling is at least three months before you start trying to get pregnant.

Points of Discussion in Preconception counseling

Here's what your healthcare provider will discuss during your preconception counseling:

Family History

Your and your partner's family history can provide valuable insight into medical issues that might pass on to your child. It will help them treat you and your child for genetic conditions in the future. Based on the information they will decide if you need special care and attention during your pregnancy.

Your Medical History

You must give your healthcare service provider a comprehensive picture of your health before you get pregnant. Tell them about your surgeries, transfusions, hospitalizations, pre-existing conditions, allergies, medications, everything.

Your Obstetrics and Gynecology History

Certain Sexually Transmitted Infections or vaginal infections can affect your ability to conceive. Your doctor might need to perform blood tests or cervical cultures to ensure that you are not suffering from infections that can create issues during your conception or pregnancy. You will have to discuss previous pregnancies, menstrual history, use of contraceptives, STIs, uterine issues, vaginal infections, pap smears, etc.

Vaccinations

You might need to be vaccinated before you get pregnant. If you have one, take your vaccination records to your preconception counseling.

Lifestyle

You and your partner both need to have a healthy lifestyle. It is important for a healthy pregnancy. You will need to stop the use of drugs and smoking. You might have to look for alternatives for certain medicines and stay away from environmental hazards as well.

What to Expect?

Here's what to expect during preconception counseling:

Physical Examination

Your doctor might check your heart, lungs, thyroid, abdomen, and breasts. You might also have to go through a pelvic examination along with a blood pressure and weight check.

Lab Tests

You might have to go through certain tests for various diseases and conditions. It might include tests for rubella, hepatitis, HIV, thyroid, etc. Your doctor might also ask for Complete Blood Count (CBC), diabetes screening, and a pap smear.

Genetic counseling

If you or your partner have a history of certain genetic conditions, you might have to go through genetic counseling as well. It will provide your doctor with a deeper insight into your health and what complications to expect. That, in turn, will help them take better care of you during your pregnancy.

Things You Might be Expected to do After Preconception counseling

You might get several suggestions from your doctor during preconception counseling:

• Lose weight
• Stop drinking and smoking
• Avoid medications that might be harmful during pregnancy
• Updating vaccinations
• Taking prenatal vitamins
• Visiting specialists for specific health issues
• Avoiding stress

You might also be asked to do regular exercise and stay hydrated. You will have to follow a healthy diet before and throughout your pregnancy. So, have your preconception counseling as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Make a preconception plan and follow it. Book your preconception counseling. It will help you get a healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, DELHI-NCR - Chirag Enclave. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.