Pregnancy is an important time in every woman’s life. The latest scientific reports suggest that you should think about prevention and changing your habits even a few months before. When you start trying to have a baby, you should first of all check your health condition. Be prepared and perform appropriate tests.
The decision is made: you want to become a mom. Before you get started, visit your doctor and get tested to make sure you are healthy and your body is prepared for the change.
First, talk to your family doctor. After taking your history, he or she can test your blood pressure and order a blood count, urinalysis, serum glucose level. This is a simple diagnostic of your overall health to rule out systemic diseases. In addition, if you have not already done so, check your blood group and RH factor. This test should also be carried out by your partner. It allows to exclude a possible serological conflict. You will also need the result in the hospital before the birth.
Secondly, see a gynaecologist. During the appointment the gynaecologist will perform an ultrasound examination (vaginal), assess your reproductive organs, uterus and ovaries. This is the moment to talk to the specialist about the course of your cycle, possible symptoms and the optimal time for intercourse. Your doctor may order cytology and hormone tests, including estradiol, progesterone, LH, AMH, FSH, SHBG, testosterone and prolactin. Thyroid function is also often assessed by evaluating TSH and fT3/fT4.
Thirdly, it is important to prevent dangerous diseases during pregnancy. Mothers-to-be are therefore advised to undergo diagnostics for toxoplasmosis, rubella and cytomegalovirus – infections dangerous to the developing foetus. It is also recommended to test the HBS antigen to exclude hepatitis B. In addition, infection with the syphilis vertebrate (WR) or HIV is also checked.
Consult your doctor about the results. Sometimes you may need treatment or supplementation for better pregnancy preparation.
Check CDC recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/preconception/planning.html