diyhealth.com

Smart mom: 12 Tests before conception

Preconception medical consultation

The experience of becoming a mother is the best thing that can happen to a woman. It adds a new dimension to her life with added responsibilities and an unexplained love for the yet-to-be born baby. However, before you conceive a baby and get ready to bring a new life into this world, there are some precautions you need to take to ensure the best health for you as well as your baby. For this, you need to get some very basic health check up done. These will help you plan the pregnancy and also ensure in conceiving a healthy fetus. Here are some of the common medical tests to be taken before conception.

1. Medical history in details

On your first visit to the doctor, he will ask you to begin with and tell him about your own medical history in detail, where in you need to mention about your daily workout plans, diet, your work environment, home environment, exposure to certain hazardous elements while you are on your day-to-day chores etc. Your family diseases history should be written down as well, like history of diabetes, blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism etc. Also the type of birth control measures you have been using need a mention.

2. Examination of the pelvic area

After the doctor has your medical history, a detailed examination of your pelvic area would be done. The doctor usually does this with his or her hands and checks the condition of reproduction organs. Any issues related to fibroid, infections, or any kind of ovarian cysts can be detected during the examination and treatment can be started immediately.

3. Pap smear test

A pap smear test is again a pelvic test which checks for any abnormality in the pelvic area. This can be done anytime even when you do not want to conceive, to check the condition of your abdominal area and organs.

4. Testing of Urine

This test will tell the doctor about any kind of urinary tract infections or diseases. Also diabetes is detected through urine tests.

5. Blood tests

This is a very important test before getting pregnant. Your blood group is detected in this test. Also, it shows if you have anemia and have been vaccinated for Rubella. A rubella vaccination is a necessity before conceiving. If, after reading your medical history, the doctor feels that he might want a blood test done for sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia as well, you need to get it done.

6. Checking blood pressure

Blood pressure is measured in all stages and has become a very important test. Hypertensive patients need to be treated before they conceive a baby as this can cause problems with the placenta during pregnancy. The blood pressure has to be under control to conceive a healthy baby.

7. Screening tests

Screening tests for various diseases will confirm a disease well in advance. The doctor advises tests for chlamydia, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS and syphilis. If any of these come with a positive result then a treatment is advised immediately.

8. Records of Immunization

Immunization against certain infections which can be prevented, is required before getting pregnant. This prevents the infection from affecting the baby to be born.

9. Thyroid Tests

The thyroid gland should be working in its full capacity when you are going to conceive. Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism in a pregnant woman can cause miscarriages and many baby diseases.

10. Parasitic Disease tests

Parasitic diseases like toxoplasmosis can happen by eating meat which is under cooked or through cat feces. These diseases do not harm the woman but can harm the baby which is growing inside her or a new born baby. A simple blood test can detect this and hence be cured before pregnancy.

11. Folic Acid consumption

Speak to a doctor to know how much folic acid you should consume in order to go through a healthy pregnancy. Different quantities of folic acid should be taken at different stages of your pregnancy. This can be advised by the doctor.

12. Genetic Consultation

Genetic testing and consultation is required in couples when they want to have a baby after the age of 35. Also when the father to be is more than the age of 40. Genetic testing is also done if the couple already have a child with some physical or mental defect and want another child. When a woman has had many miscarriages, genetic testing is done.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top