What is Preconception Counselling?

Preconception counselling is a medical consultation. It takes place around three months before someone starts trying to get pregnant. The goal of this consultation is to help couples have a healthy pregnancy. It aims to identify any potential risks or issues that may arise during the pregnancy. The healthcare provider discusses the potential parents' family histories and medical conditions. Lifestyles are also looked at.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are aiming to have a child, you should go for preconception consulting. You should go about three months before you start trying to get pregnant. Not only does this session help you prepare for pregnancy in a medical capacity, it also helps you get mentally prepared

What happens at preconception counselling?

During this counselling, a healthcare professional will discuss a lot of topics with potential parents. These may include the couple's medical and family histories. It will also cover any medications or supplements that they are currently taking. They will also focus on their health and lifestyle. The healthcare provider may also do some tests.

What details does my doctor require at the preconception counselling?

You must share detailed information during the counselling. This includes information about any chronic health conditions. You must mention any ethnicity-related problems, genetic disorders, and family medical history. You need to also mention mental disorders and if multiple births run in your families. Through this information, the provider learns what, if any, tests or monitoring for specific diseases will be needed. Your general medical history and your OB/GYN history must be shared in detail. Information about your lifestyle, including diet, exercise habits, and alcohol and tobacco use is also necessary. You also share which vaccinations you have had. Your provider may also discuss how to chart your menstrual cycles. This focuses on when you ovulate each month.

What tests will my partner and I go through during the counselling?

Tests done during this counselling may include lab tests. They check for health conditions such as rubella, and hepatitis. A complete blood count test happens. Pap smears and diabetes tests happen. HIV and thyroid are screened for. The couple may also undergo a physical examination.

You and your partner may be advised to get genetic counselling before conceiving. If you have a family history of certain genetic conditions, this becomes important. They may test you for conditions such as Tay-Sachs or sickle trait/sickle cell disease.

What next?

After the counselling, the parents-to-be will have a better understanding of their health. They will also be aware of any potential risks or issues that may arise during the pregnancy.

They will also have a plan in place to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. This may include lifestyle changes, medications, or supplements. You may be advised to take a prenatal vitamin before you get pregnant.

By following the advice of the healthcare professional parents increase their chances of having a healthy baby. This involves taking necessary precautions and going for preconception counselling. After the counselling, potential parents have a better understanding of how to improve their chances of getting pregnant. They also know of potential risks or issues. If these are identified during the preconception counselling, the parents-to-be can work with their healthcare professional to develop a plan of care. Trying to have a baby? Go for preconception counselling at the Apollo Cradle Clinic at Koramangala to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Hyderabad - Kondapur. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. I got diagnosed with PCOS during my fertility test. Can I still get pregnant?

PCOS leads to ovulation problems and can make conception difficult. However, women with PCOS can get pregnant naturally after managing their condition.

2. What does the physical test in a preconception counseling screen for?

The physical test checks your heart, lungs, breasts, thyroid, and abdomen. It involves a pelvic exam. The doctor also checks your blood pressure and weight.

3. When should I go for preconception counseling?

You should go for counselling three months before you start trying to get pregnant.

4. Why should I go for preconception counseling?

Counselling increases your understanding of the reproductive system and helps you have a healthy baby. This is done by identifying potential issues and risks and managing them via a care plan. Hence, you should go for preconception counselling to prepare yourself for a child and to do your best to ensure your child is born healthy.