In today's life we plan for most events like meetings parties and weddings but what about planning for pregnancy one of the most important event of our lives.
Preconception planning can help you and your partner understand how to boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy. A preconception appointment is especially important if you're in your 30s or 40s or you have any chronic health conditions .
1. Have you taken all required vaccines?
Infections such as chickenpox (varicella) and German measles (rubella) can be dangerous for an unborn baby.
If your immunizations aren't complete or you're not sure you need to do blood tests to check for immunity — preferably at least one month before you try to conceive.
2. Do you have any chronic medical conditions?
If you are obese BMI more than 30 or have a chronic medical condition — such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure — make sure it's under control before you conceive.
3. Are you taking any medications or supplements?
Tell your gynaecologist about any medications or supplements you're taking which may need to be stopped or changed.This is also the time to start taking prenatal vitamins like folic acid which prevents birth defects.
4. What type of birth control have you been using?
If you've been taking combination birth control pills no more than a two-week delay in your period is expected after you stop taking the pill. You don't need to take a pill-free break before trying to conceive.
5. Are you at risk of a sexually transmitted infection?
Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia can interfere with your ability to conceive.
If you're at risk of a sexually transmitted infection ask your gynecologist about preconception screening and treatment.
6. Do you have a family history of any specific medical conditions?
Sometimes family medical history — either yours or your partner's — increases the risk of having a child who has certain medical conditions, such as birth defects.
7. How old are you and your partner?
As mothers age increases, the risk of fertility problems, pregnancy loss and certain chromosomal conditions increases but most mothers have healthy babies.
8. Have you been pregnant before?
Any previous complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, premature birth or birth defects need to be discussed.If you have any concerns or fears about another pregnancy, share them with your gynecologist to boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
9. Does your current lifestyle support a healthy pregnancy?
If you smoke take alcohol or illegal drugs, it's advisable to quit.Pregnancy can be a pleasant experience or scary nightmare for some ..the key to a healthy happy pregnancy is pre-pregnancy counseling.