Preconceptual Care

 PRECONCEPTUAL CARE:

                                          Preconception care is an opportunity for you and your partner to improve your health before you start trying for a baby. A healthcare professional can help you to assess your health, fitness and lifestyle, to identify areas that you may want to improve.

Although many babies are still conceived accidentally, more and more hopeful parents-to-be and their medical advisers are becoming aware of the benefits of dealing with health problems and attaining optimal physical and mental well-being prior to pregnancy. Both partners may decide to prepare for conception by giving thought to their diet, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, exercise routines, occupation and drug (medicinal or social) intake.

Assessment

Each woman requires individual assessment.Talk to your doctor before you become pregnant.

Establish the following in order to offer appropriate advice

Timing of planned pregnancy.
Folic acid.

 Managing health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, obesity, depression, eating disorders,hepatitus b and asthma.
Smear history.
Smoking history.
Alcohol intake.
Weight (overweight or obese?).
Medication, including over-the-counter or herbal medication. History of illicit drugs?
Risks of exposure to hazardous substances or radiation.
Rubella immune status.
History of miscarriage
Risk or concern regarding chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic disorders.