What to Expect at a Pre-pregnancy Check-up: A Guide for the Uninformed

It’s perhaps the most important appointment you need to make before getting pregnant. A pre-pregnancy checkup will determine your general health; risk of genetic disorders, and if there are any infections that could affect your baby once it’s born.

If you are wondering what to expect when you check in to get your check up and probably how to prepare for one, read on. This post will give you all the information you need to make your first meeting with your doctor or midwife as productive as possible.

Why is a Pre-Pregnancy Check-up Important?

Before you get pregnant, your doctor will do a routine health checkup to ensure you are healthy enough to conceive. You’ll also get tested for STIs and blood-borne infections and undergo a Pap smear and a urinalysis to rule out any infections that could affect your pregnancy.

There are also genetic tests available if you are at higher risk of having a child with genetic disorders. These include tests for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Fragile X syndrome, and thalassemia.

Pre-pregnancy checkup is important because it allows you and your partner to get a head start on preparing for pregnancy. It also allows you to identify any potential risks to your health and your baby’s health before you become pregnant so that you can be monitored more closely.

What to Expect at a Pre-Pregnancy Checkup

A pre-pregnancy checkup is the first step toward pregnancy. You will meet your doctor or midwife to discuss your general health and any risk factors that may affect your ability to conceive.

A woman’s health before pregnancy is very important because it can affect the baby’s health. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect during the pre-pregnancy checkup;

●      Body Measurements

This is perhaps the most dreaded part of a pre-pregnancy visit, but it is also extremely important. These measurements will help your doctor or midwife determine if there are any abnormalities in your reproductive organs that may impede your ability to conceive. Some of the tests you can expect here include;

1. Weight, Blood Pressure, and Body Mass Index (BMI): You will be weighed and measured to determine if you are within the normal weight range for your height. Your blood pressure will also be taken to determine if you have any risks associated with pre-eclampsia.
2. Breast Examination: The doctor will examine your breasts, nipples, and surrounding area to look for any abnormalities that could be related to breast cancer.
3. Liver and Kidney Examination: Your doctor will use a few simple tests to determine if your liver and kidneys are functioning properly.

●      Blood Tests

Blood tests are important to determine your general health and if you have any genetic disorders that could affect your baby. These tests are broken down into three categories, general, blood-borne infections, and genetic diseases.

1. General Blood Tests: The following tests are used to determine your general health. They include a full blood count, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and sugar levels in the blood.
2. Blood-borne Infections: Blood tests for STIs and hepatitis B and C are included in this category. If you have had a blood-borne infection in the past, you will be tested again to rule out re-infection.
3. Genetic Disorders: General genetic tests look for a wide variety of genetic disorders, but specific tests are done for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Fragile X syndrome, and thalassemia.

●      Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your internal organs. This test is important because it can detect abnormalities in your reproductive organs that could affect your ability to conceive.

●      A Pap smear and STI Screening

A Pap smear is used to detect abnormalities in the cells of the cervix. It is also used to rule out cervical cancer and look for STIs in the cells. The doctor may also take a swab of your cervix to test for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis B and C.

Discussion about Fertility Options

The doctor will discuss your fertility options with you to determine the best time to conceive. This is especially helpful if you are over 35 or have a history of fertility issues.

You may also be offered fertility treatments if you have been trying to conceive for over a year with no success. Some of the issues you may discuss during the pre-pregnancy check up include;

●      Fertility Treatments

Fertility treatments are used to help you conceive when you are unable to do so on your own. These treatments can be costly and are not always covered by insurance. The most common fertility treatments include;

1. Ovulation induction: This treatment is used to stimulate ovulation in women who are not ovulating on their own.
2. In vitro fertilization: This treatment is used to fertilize the egg outside of the body and then implant it into the uterus.

●      Adoption

An adoption is an option for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. Adoption can be a very rewarding experience, but it is also a costly and lengthy process. You will need to work with an adoption agency to find a child that is a good match for your family.

●      Surrogacy

Surrogacy is an option for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. A surrogate is a woman who carries and gives birth to a child for another couple. Surrogacy can be a costly and complex process, and it is important to work with a surrogacy agency to find a qualified surrogate.

●      Donor sperm or eggs

Donor sperm or eggs are also an option for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. Donor sperm or eggs can be used to create embryos that are then implanted into the uterus.

Final Thoughts

A pre-pregnancy checkup is a very important visit where you will undergo a lot of tests to determine your general health. You will also discuss your fertility options with your doctor so that you can schedule your appointment for the best time to conceive.

We offer a wide range of services to help you conceive. We also offer a wide range of support services to help you through your journey to parenthood.

If you are considering conceiving, we encourage you to schedule a pre-pregnancy checkup with your doctor. If you’re in Singapore, call us today to schedule an appointment. Call:  +65 6636 9909 .

 

PK Women’s Specialist Clinic @ The Venue

2 Tai Thong Cres, #01-12 The Venue Shoppes, Singapore 347836

+65 6636 9909

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