What is Pre-conception counselling?
When you are expecting, you expect the best.
The journey of pregnancy starts before conceiving. Adequate planning and preparation helps achieve a healthy and joyful pregnancy. Preconception counselling is a visit with your healthcare provider where you discuss plans for becoming pregnant. Think of it as a wellness visit — for a future, pregnant version of yourself.
When should we go for pre-conception counselling?
You should ideally go for the counselling atleast 3 months before you start trying for pregnancy.
What is included in preconception counselling?
Your doctor will ask a series of questions about your health and your family. This will be followed by certain physical examination and certain blood and urine tests as required.
What happens after all this?
Your doctor can advise you a mix of lifestyle/healthcare suggestions, like:
- Losing or gaining weight.
- Establishing a nutritional diet.
- Developing a healthy exercise plan.
- Quitting smoking or drinking.
- Updating your immunizations.
- Avoiding or learning how to better manage stress.
- Taking recommended vitamins(including prenatal vitamins).
- Seeking specialists for any health problems before conceiving.
- Not taking/modifying any medications that can harm your baby(always take medical consultation before stopping or starting a medication).