Pre-pregnancy counselling — why is it important?

Know what actually happens during a pre-pregnancy counseling and what issues are addressed during the consultation

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: April 15, 2015 3:33 pm

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Pregnancy planning makes a couple tread the known route — follow the ovulation calendar, eat right, track the most fertile days, have sex more often, etc. But while concentrating on all those obvious and routine things they usually fail to lay emphasis on a pre-pregnancy counselling session that could have provided them with the desired results in a more methodical and convenient way. Here we tell you why a pre-pregnancy counselling is important and how it can help you: Also Read - Late Pregnancy: Planning to get pregnant in 40s? Here are the probable complications

Why is a pre-pregnancy counselling important?

‘Though not all couples prefer a pre-pregnancy counselling but in some cases it becomes crucial. Like, if the couple had faced a problem during the previous pregnancy or either of the partner have any health concerns that can come in the way of conception, counselling can address such issues beforehand. Fortunately most of the problems that arise during the pregnancy may not occur the next time. But some might have a risk of recurrence, hence a pre-pregnancy counseling becomes important,’ says Dr Shantala Vadeyar, consultant gynecologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. Also read on tips to get pregnant fast.

Who should go for it?

Following are the reasons for which you should seek an appointment with the doctor for a pre-pregnancy counselling:

Repeated attempts in getting pregnant with no desired results
Previous history of miscarriages and stillbirths
In case your previous child was born with certain birth defects
You or your partner was exposed to certain environmental toxins that could come in the way of conception or hamper fetal development during pregnancy
If the expectant mother suffers from diabetes or other lifestyle condition like hypertension, low blood pressure etc
In case both the partners have medical problems related to the kidneys, liver or even the heart
The expectant mother had a previous surgery that can have an effect on the pregnancy, for instance, renal failure or a heart surgery
The expectant mother is suffering from any kind of autoimmune disease

What are the tests that are done during pre-pregnancy counselling?

Routine blood tests: A routine blood test is done on both partners to check if there are any underlying health conditions that needs attention or can come in the way of conception and pregnancy.

CBC count: A complete blood count is done to rule out the possibility of anemia in the woman, as low hemoglobin count can in turn adversely affect fetal health and development after conception. ‘In most cases this condition can be treated effectively if it comes to light before conception to ensure a smooth pregnancy and good health of the fetus,’ says Dr Vadeyar.

Antibody testing for Rubella: The expectant mother is also checked for IgG antibody to Rubella or German measles, if she is immune to it. ‘If she is not immune, a vaccination would be provided for the same. Ideally it is advised that she should not become pregnant post-vaccination, until the vaccine virus has cleared from her blood which takes about one month,’ informs Dr Vadeyar.

Thyroid tests: Impaired thyroid functions can trigger infertility issues in a woman. In most cases the symptoms of a thyroid dysfunction are subtle and are only detected when one is tested for the same. ‘A high TSH value may indicate a low level of thyroid function, which needs to be corrected during conception. If one conceives without addressing the problem it can also lead to lower IQ in the baby and affects neurodevelopment of the unborn baby inside the womb,’ says Dr Vadeyar. Also read how thyroid dysfunction affects one pregnancy.

Thalassemia screening: This is done on both parents to check for the thalassemia gene. ‘If by chance, both partners have the gene for this condition it is termed as thalassemia minor. Then they have a 25% risk of having a child affected with a condition called thalassemia major. If both parents are carriers, it is possible to check whether the unborn fetus is affected by thalassemia by prenatal diagnosis. But a prenatal diagnosis is only possible at 11-12 weeks of pregnancy by an invasive procedure,’ says Dr Vadeyar. Read to know more about thalassemia — causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies are common in women. ‘Low levels of vitamin D or B12 can come in the way of your pregnancy or pose troubles during lactation, it is necessary to correct these deficiencies either during pregnancy or during the conception phase itself,’ says Dr Vadeyar.

Pap smear test: As a routine method, during the pre-pregnancy counselling a Pap smear test is done to check if there are any cancerous growths in the cervix that can harm the baby during the birthing process. Know more about the Pap smear test and how it is done.

Genetic counselling: If the couple have faced troubles during their previous pregnancy like recurrent miscarriages, stillbirth, congenital defects in the previous born child, restricted growth in the uterus, etc, such issues are looked upon closely and attempts are taken to avoid the recurrence of the same during the next pregnancy. Know if your baby is at the risk of developing Down’s syndrome.

Tests for sexually transmitted diseases: Both partners are also tested for sexually transmitted diseases like VDRL, HIV, Hepatitis B and C. Read to know about the symptoms of STDs.

How to prepare for the visit?

Get all your medical records in place: In case you have a history of failed pregnancy, previous surgery or are taking any kind of medication, get all the details to your doctor’s office when you land up for the counselling. Make sure that your partner or husband also comes prepared with his set of medical history and list of medication, if any, that he is taking.

Go with an open mind: Your doctor’s analysis and check-ups might not always be in your favour. Don’t get disappointed. Instead try to look for options and talk to your partner about the next step that you would be taking.

Communicate well with your doctor: Don’t miss on providing any details to your doctor. Tell your doctor about the previous vaccinations, medications and hospitalization that you or your partner might have had before planning for a pregnancy. Any previous health crisis or medication can come in the way of your pregnancy planning.

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Published : June 25, 2014 1:48 pm | Updated:April 15, 2015 3:33 pm

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