Preconception Testing For Women – Why It is Needed and Complete List of Tests

Your doctor may also recommend fertility supplements and vitamins for women to improve your reproductive health and improve your chances of conception and healthy pregnancy. Ideally, you should get preconception testing at least 3 to 6 months before you plan to try for a baby. Preconception testing is an important aspect of conscious conception where the parents can consciously prepare themselves physically and mentally to invite a new family member into their life.

Why Do Women Need Preconception Testing?

Preconception testing is a fundamental component of health care before you decide to get pregnant. Many diseases can be treated or the risks can be reduced as they are identified promptly and cannot pose a threat to the mother and the baby’s health.

Sometimes a healthy woman can also carry diseases without any symptoms. But it may lead to serious health hazards if not treated during pregnancy. Without blood screening, a woman cannot be sure if she has any diseases or is infected with vaccine-preventable diseases.

Blood screening will tell you if you have any disease or if vaccination is required. Vaccination is recommended to take before pregnancy and not during the same. Doctors need consent for performing the screening procedure. You can take this test before or during pregnancy.

When is the Right Time to Do Preconception Testing For Women?

You can decide on a preconception test anytime – even before a year you want to conceive. You can take this test even if you already have a baby. A lot of changes take place between two pregnancies. Your health may not be the same as your last pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may help you to avoid the problems you had in the past pregnancy. So it is better to get a check-up done even if you had delivered a baby in the past.

List of Preconception Tests For Women

Here is the list of the most frequent tests that your doctor may recommend for you. These include basic examinations, blood tests, urine tests and scans.

1. Physical Examination

This examination includes checking your weight and blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause multiple pregnancy complications. Detecting and working on it before pregnancy is vital for safe delivery.

2. Pelvic Examination

Your gynecologist will do an examination of the pelvic organs which include the vagina, uterus, ovaries and cervix to check if they are functioning properly. The cervix is atop the vagina which leads to the uterus. If there are any problems during the examination, you can get the treatments before pregnancy. Proper treatment can also help avoid fertility problems.

3. Urine Test

This test is important because it will reveal urinary tract infections and diabetes. If sugar is present in urine according to the report, you have to undertake a blood sugar test for diabetes.

4. Blood Test

Your doctor will recommend blood tests to help identify issues such as anemia, immunity to rubella, HIV, hepatitis B, thalassemia or other conditions, chickenpox, herpes, thyroid dysfunction, etc. If the blood test reports highlight concerns, the doctor may recommend other tests like kidney or liver function tests.

5. Rh Factor Test

You need to know your blood type and blood antigen on the red blood cells before pregnancy. Rh is a protein present in red blood cells. If your Rh factor does not match your baby’s Rh factor then it may lead to problems later on.

6. Abdominal Ultrasound

This is significant because it helps to know if there is any growth or development of cyst in the ovaries. Your doctor may recommend ECG or 2D Echo depending on the medical examination.

7. Pap Smear

A Pap smear test is recommended every two to three years. If you do this test every year or two years you don’t have to do it again before pregnancy. This is a medical test where the health care provider collects cells from your cervix to detect cancer.

8. Genetic Screening

If you have any family history of any genetic health conditions, it is advisable to check for genetic disorders. The doctor will check your and your spouse’s health conditions and recommend a screening to check for genetic disorders. This will help determine if there is a risk of transmission of a genetic disorder to the unborn child.

[Read : What is Genetic Carrier Screening Test and How is it Done?]

How to Prepare For Preconception Testing?

Before you conceive, prenatal care begins by visiting doctors for a thorough top-to-bottom pre-conception check-up followed by tests. The check-up will help to tackle health issues before a baby is on board and ensures a smooth and healthy pregnancy.

Before you go for a preconception test, you need to be prepared with all the information your doctor may want to know. So here’s a checklist of all the information you need to gather before you head out to the doctor’s clinic for preconception testing:

1. The birth control measure you are using as your doctor will inform you about when to stop birth control and how long you should wait before you start planning for a baby.
2. The date of your menstrual cycle is also important. Your gynecologist will ask you about the date of your last period and the length of your cycles. This will help a doctor to guide you regarding the best time in the month to try to conceive.
3. Your doctor will ask you about your lifestyle and diet. This will include your food and diet patterns and habits such as alcohol or smoking. Your doctor will guide you regarding the change in lifestyle and diet to boost your fertility
4. You can also make a list of the medicines you take whether over-the-counter or prescribed medicines. Doctors will guide you to take those medicines that are safe during pregnancy.
5. If you or your spouse have a family history of genetic issues or any health disorders, you must mention this to your doctor. They may prescribe genetic counselling and genetic screening accordingly.

[Read : Planning a Baby : Get Genetic Counselling Done]

When to Consult a Doctor?

It is good to consult a doctor before your plan for a pregnancy. Preconception check-ups and tests will help you to know your ability to conceive and the changes in your lifestyle and habits required to ensure a smooth pregnancy. It is important to optimize health before planning a pregnancy with a few lifestyle modifications which include a healthy diet and regular exercise.

You will see a doctor plenty of time after you conceive. But for pre-conception testing, you need to consult a doctor ahead of time. If you have any health complications that can affect your chances of pregnancy then it is important to cure them. You have to undertake several tests. Your doctor will also conduct a pre-pregnancy check-up for you and your partner to know about your medical history.

Preconception testing for women should be made an important part of preconception care. Early handling of any issues that may interfere with conception and pregnancy can be efficiently handled much ahead of time, ensuring that you have a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

[Read : Getting a Pre-Conception Check Up : A Must]

FAQ’s

1. What Hormones Are Tested For Fertility?

Hormones that are tested for fertility include Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH, Luteinizing hormone or LH, Prolactin and Complete thyroid profile. Androgens Test is carried out for women with ovulation or Polycystic ovarian problem (PCOS). 

2. Is Fertility Testing For Men Important?

Hormone testing for understanding male fertility is also important as it impacts the chances of conceiving. Hormonal imbalances, past surgeries, infections, and more may affect sperm quality.

Read Also: Diet and Lifestyle Changes When Trying to Conceive