Are you and your partner thinking about having a baby? Many people think that you should seek medical advice only after a positive pregnancy test. But in reality, the process of having a healthy baby and a healthy mother begins much earlier. In fact, you should start preparing for this before you even think about getting pregnant. Today, we're talking about that most important step.
What is Preconception Counseling?
Simply put, this means that before you start trying to get pregnant, you should meet with a doctor to discuss your and your partner's health and get the necessary advice. Just think, before building a beautiful house, we make a good plan and lay a good foundation, right? That's how it is with this. This advice is the best foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
This has several main objectives:
- Helping you get pregnant safely .
- Keeping you and your unborn baby as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy.
- Reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Not only in our country, but in the world, many pregnancies are unplanned. Therefore, many people do not benefit from this valuable advice. However, this is so important that it can greatly contribute to a healthy, successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.
What is included in this consultation?
During this consultation, your doctor will look at the risk factors that could affect your pregnancy and then educate you about what you can do about them.
These are mainly what happens:
- Risk assessments: We will discuss your and your partner's medical history, details about family medical conditions, and your lifestyle (such as diet, smoking, and alcohol use) to determine if there are any risks that could affect your pregnancy.
- Interventions: Once risk factors have been identified, this is where interventions are implemented. You may need to change a medication you are currently taking, or make some lifestyle changes. Your doctor will explain all of this to you.
- Referrals: In some cases, you may need help from a different specialist. For example, if you are having difficulty conceiving, you may be referred to a specialist in that area.
When should I go for this consultation?
It's best to see a doctor for this consultation at least three months before you start trying to have a baby.
In fact, anyone who is thinking about having a child can discuss this at their regular doctor's appointment. Now, doctors in developed countries ask young people, "Are you planning to have a baby within the next year?" during a routine checkup. The goal is to discuss this early and help set the stage for a healthy pregnancy.
What exactly happens during a counseling appointment?
During this visit, you will be given a variety of tests to check your health, and you and your partner will be asked a lot of questions to identify risk factors. You will also be given information on how to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Here are the things that usually happen:
| Inspection/Inquiry | Things to look for in it |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Your general health will be assessed. Your vital organs, such as your heart and lungs, and your blood pressure will be checked. A pelvic exam may also be performed if necessary. |
| Medical tests | Blood and urine tests are done to check for infections, diseases, or other conditions that need to be treated. Sometimes genetic tests may be recommended to find out about diseases that children can inherit from their parents (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell disease). |
| Your medical history | You will be asked about your medical conditions, current medications, and surgeries you have had. It is also important to know the regularity of your menstrual cycle, any family planning methods you use, and any previous pregnancies. |
| Family medical history | You and your partner's family members will be asked about any genetic or other illnesses, as some of these may be passed on to the child. |
How does the doctor assess your risks?
Here, the doctor takes an in-depth look at the various factors that can affect your pregnancy.
Chronic diseases
If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, or thyroid disease, it is important to get it under control before you get pregnant. The medication you are currently taking may not be suitable for your baby. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor and switch to a safer medication if necessary.
Most importantly: Never stop taking medication or change the dosage on your own without consulting your doctor.
Genetic conditions
By examining the family's medical history, you can get some idea of the genetic diseases that the child may inherit. If necessary, you can be referred for genetic testing or genetic counseling to find out how likely the child is to develop a certain disease.
Infections
During pregnancy, you will be screened for infections that can harm the mother or baby (e.g. sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Hepatitis B, HIV, Rubella). It is especially important to make sure you have received all the necessary immunizations before you get pregnant.
Medications, herbs and supplements
You should tell your doctor about everything you're taking - prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs), herbal products, vitamins - because some of them may not be safe during pregnancy.
Of these , folic acid is a particularly important vitamin. Your doctor will often tell you to take a folic acid pill every day for 3-6 months before you start trying to conceive. This can help prevent serious birth defects (neural tube defects) in your baby's brain and spinal cord.
Diet and exercise
A balanced diet is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you on the nutrition you need, your daily calorie intake, and what foods to avoid during pregnancy (e.g., fish high in mercury). He or she will also advise you on safe exercises that are appropriate for pregnancy.
Weight
If you are underweight or obese, it can lead to various complications during pregnancy. Being underweight increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby or having a premature baby. Being overweight can increase the risk of developing conditions like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Therefore, your doctor will help you develop a plan to reach a healthy weight before you get pregnant.
Smoking, alcohol and drug use
These are things that anyone planning to get pregnant should completely stop. Their use has been directly linked to miscarriages, stillbirths, and conditions like Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can seriously harm a baby's development. Even if you don't smoke, secondhand smoke is harmful to your baby. Even just quitting smoking can reduce your risk of some pregnancy complications by about 20%.
Toxins in the environment
Some chemicals in your home or workplace, such as pesticides and lead, can be harmful during pregnancy. The doctor will also check if there is a risk of exposure to such substances.
What should you do after the consultation?
After the consultation, the doctor will provide you with a series of lifestyle changes and health tips that are tailored to you. Some of them are:
- Reaching a healthy weight (losing or gaining weight).
- Starting a nutritious diet.
- Following a healthy exercise plan.
- Complete cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Getting the necessary immunizations.
- Learning to control stress.
- Take recommended vitamins, especially folic acid, daily.
- Before getting pregnant, see a specialist for any other health concerns you may have.
- Avoid taking medications that may be harmful to the baby. (Always consult a doctor before starting or stopping medication).
Take-Home Message
- If you're thinking about having a baby, the best place to start is to see a doctor and get advice at least 3 months before trying.
- Folic acid is a must-have. It can prevent serious birth defects in the baby's brain and spinal cord.
- Get your chronic illnesses (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) under control before getting pregnant. Follow your doctor's advice.
- Completely stop smoking, alcohol, and unnecessary medication. These directly affect your fertility as well as the health of your baby.
- This is important not only for you, but also for your partner. By both of you preparing for this journey together, your chances of having a healthy baby will be greatly increased. This is the biggest investment you can make for yourself, your partner, and your unborn baby.
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