Preconception Health

Couples planning to have children should think first about their health status to see if they meet the optimum conditions that enable them to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Both must take into account their medical history and current diseases, which can have an effect on future child development.

Women, for example, must take account of their weight, diet, lifestyle, immunizations and current health before conceiving. Therefore, it is important to keep a preconceptional consultation in which to resolve the concerns of the professional in such matters and, from the construction of medical history, knowing how likely is pregnancy or desirable at any given time. A healthy start before conception ensures also an optimal pregnancy.

Parenting means to prepare physically, emotionally and psychologically. However, very few couples planning the birth of their children.

What to expect in the consultation

A series of tests and assessments may determine the ideal time to conceive. These are the variables and procedures to consider:

1. Reproductive health. How are your menstrual cycles, how long and when was the last. Also, what plans, if you do. The specialist will determine if you have any sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia, syphilis, HIV or gonorrhea, or vaginal infections.
2. Required Tests: cytology, pelvic test, Pap smear or ultrasonography (in case of anomalies in the womb or ovaries).
3. Medical and obstetrical history. He asked if seeking their first pregnancy, have had abortions, premature or ectopic pregnancy or if previous deliveries were normal or ended in cesarean section. Any complication postpartum yours or the baby, it is also reviewed.
4. Also included in its register your current medical condition, to know if you have any chronic disease that can affect pregnancy, and infections or allergies, any condition or previous hospitalization must be reported. All these data are vital to ensure special care during pregnancy, so that everything goes well

Besides the above, it is necessary that the specialist know if you consume drugs, vitamins or special supplements.

Required Tests

1. Physical assessment that takes into account height, weight and blood pressure. Urine test to rule out urinary tract infection and blood test to see if there is anemia, toxoplasmosis, infections or genetic abnormalities.
2. Immunizations. If you have not been vaccinated against rubella or varicella, should be immunized now. If you have pets, you run the risk of toxoplasmosis. You should also get vaccinated against this infection.
3. Emotional state. Depression, eating disorders and stress will be analyzed.
4. Lifestyle. If you drink, smoke or use drugs must inform the specialist. This affects their fertility. Also, the way they feed and exercise.
5. Preconception genetic consultation. If you or your partner has a history of a congenital disease, or especially if you are over 35 years.
6. Visit the dentist. Periodontal disease can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight babies. It is also associated with risk of preeclampsia. Also, if during pregnancy will find any abnormalities, it is unlikely that you may have an x-ray, as it may harm the fetus.

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