Preconception Checkup

If you are considering having a baby, the most important step you can take is to have a thorough preconception checkup. Ensuring your baby’s healthy development is crucial from the earliest moments after conception, a time when most women don’t even realize that they are even pregnant. By this time, the baby’s organs will have started to form and the possibility of birth defects can already be significant. The sooner you have a preconception check-up, the better your chances of preventing these complications.

When you see your OB/Gyn for a preconception checkup, you will be able to discuss any pre-existing conditions you may have which can complicate pregnancy, including high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, lupus or epilepsy. You will especially want to talk to your doctor if you have diabetes, which can triple the risk of birth defects in your baby.

You will also want to let your doctor know about any prescription medications you may be taking, as these can be harmful to your baby. Antibiotics, blood thinners, anti seizure medicines, acne preventives such as Accutane and blood pressure reducers can all have negative effects on developing babies, as can over the counter medications such as aspirin, antihistamines and diet drugs.

Family history and early testing can help your doctor to determine if your child may be at risk for seizures, mental disabilities, or a range of conditions including cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, or Tay-Sachs disease. HIV/AIDS testing and treatment is also vital from the moment of conception, to help increase your baby’s odds of being born healthy.

Prenatal vitamins will be prescribed as an essential supplement to a regular, healthy diet. Taking prenatal vitamins within four weeks of conception greatly reduces the risk of spina bifida, a defect which prevents closure of the spinal column. You may also need to have updated vaccinations for measles, mumps, tetanus, polio, rubella or hepatitis B. If these vaccinations are necessary, it is imperative for the health of your baby that you get them at least three months before becoming pregnant.

Your doctor will probably also offer you nutrition and exercise guidelines for healthy conception and pregnancy. If you are more than 20 pounds overweight your doctor may suggest going on a diet, as that much excess weight can be dangerous for you and your baby.

Conception is a natural process, but even nature sometimes needs an occasional nudge. The healthier you are, the better your chances of conceiving and the greater your likelihood for having a healthy pregnancy. So if you are considering the journey to parenthood, make sure your first stop is at the doctor’s for a preconception checkup.