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Preconception Counselling

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Embracing parenthood is one of the most beautiful phases of one’s life. The buzz around a pregnant woman starts as soon as her pregnancy is confirmed by the gynaecologist. From preparations at home to some extra care by her loved ones, the entire family comes together for the arrival of a new life. However, the buzz for pregnancy should begin much before one gets pregnant, it should begin as soon as one starts planning pregnancy.

The preparation that starts before one gets pregnant involves what is termed as pre-conception counselling.

What Is Pre-conception counselling?
Pre-conception counselling involves meeting your gynaecologist as soon as you start planning pregnancy to assure healthy pregnancy outcomes. Such an appointment with your gynaecologist is to monitor your baseline health and introduce lifestyle or health-related changes if required.

Goal of Pre-conception counselling

•  To address modifiable risk factors

•  Optimize woman’s health

•  To educate about healthy pregnancy

Why is the need for Pre-conception counselling?
Preconception care is aimed to minimize any possible adverse effects to the mother, the fetus, and the newborn. Such an appointment is an opportunity for you to obtain optimum health before conception. Some important reasons for preconception counselling include-

•  Pre-existing health conditions are assessed and good baseline health is established.

•  The prescriptions medical or non-medical, including homeopathic and ayurvedic are reviewed.

•  Based on the genetic analysis or pre-existing conditions of the expecting parents, possible risks and conditions are discussed at this appointment.

•  Immunization status of women is assessed, and need for immunization is suggested.

•  Adverse habits such as alcohol consumption or usage of nicotine or opioid products are monitored.

•  Prenatal vitamins such as folic acid may be started. Supplementation with folic acid can prevent serious neural tube defects in babies.

•  Nutritional status or need for additional supplements is assessed for a health pregnancy.

•  Possible preventive steps for healthy outcomes are discussed.

•  Complications of previous pregnancy are assessed and counselled for.

What is the right time for preconception counselling?
As soon as one starts planning to have a child, one should meet their doctor for a preconception counselling appointment. At least three months before conception is ideal. Women who are planning their next child also are advised to meet their doctor to discuss the right gap between two pregnancies and establish good health before conceiving. Beginning the nine-month long duration pregnancy with good health and for more predictable and safe outcomes is recommended for all women irrespective of their health status or age. Women are advised to prepare their bodies just like they prepare their houses to provide the safest and most comfortable environment for the arrival of their little bundle of joy!

Myths vs. Facts

You only need preconception counselling if you have health problems.

Myth: You only need preconception counselling if you have health problems.
Fact: Even perfectly healthy women benefit from preconception counselling. It helps optimise nutrition, immunity, lifestyle, and detect hidden risks early.

Preconception counselling is only for women.

Myth: Preconception counselling is only for women.
Fact: It is for couples. Paternal health, genetic history, nutritional status, and lifestyle habits also influence fertility and baby’s health.

Preconception counselling is not necessary if you have been pregnant before.

Myth: Preconception counselling is not necessary if you have been pregnant before.
Fact: Each pregnancy is different. Age, health changes, medications, and risks evolve over time. A check-up before every planned pregnancy is recommended.

Preconception counselling is only about taking folic acid.

Myth: Preconception counselling is only about taking folic acid.
Fact: Folic acid is important, but counselling also involves medical evaluation, genetic risk assessment, immunization checks, lifestyle advice, medication review, and planning for a safe pregnancy.

Preconception counselling delays pregnancy.

Myth: Preconception counselling delays pregnancy.
Fact: It doesn’t delay pregnancy — it prevents complications like miscarriage, birth defects, poor fetal growth, and uncontrolled maternal diseases. It actually improves chances of a healthy, timely pregnancy.

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