Knowing About Preconception Counselling

Preconceptions counselling is an important part when planning a pregnancy. In preconceptions; counselling a few parameters taken into consideration are high, weight and BMI (body mass index) calculation of the woman, blood pressure, medical history, abdominal and pelvic screening, rubella and varicella screening, mental health, and so on.

In short, there’s a complete evaluation of biomedical aspects of the woman, behavioural and social risks associated with pregnancy, and modifications and preventions of the risk factors.

A few modifications and investigations include

· Increasing folic acid intake to reduce the risk of neural tube defects

· Counselling for smoking and alcohol consumption

· Any alterations in existing medications that might affect the fetal growth

· Vaccinations to be taken against rubella and other infections

· Checking for the thyroid status of the woman

· Checking for pre-existing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc.

· Checking for sexually transmitted disease

· Understanding diabetic pregnancy guidelines for to-be mothers with pre-existing diabetes.