Pre-Pregnancy Health Checkup Hospital

Your doctor will ask you to do some blood tests that you should do to rule out any future problems that may present themselves. For example, if you are not carrying the antibodies to Rubella (German measles), then you can correct that because once you are pregnant, there’s nothing you can do about it. Also vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Chicken pox, Influenza and even H1N1 can be given if you already haven’t got those. Checks for the thalassemia genes are also essential since if both of you carry the genes, and then the baby has a high chance of having it. That’s something you may want to think about before conceiving. Other routine tests are for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, hemoglobin, thyroid, Rh factor and other routine tests. Although most of these are uncommon, they are better off ruled out earlier rather than later. All it involves is making one visit to the doctor.

Now that you’re planning the pregnancy, you should definitely lose the weight before. Even though that may sound really difficult and a bit pointless since you will put the weight back on, trust us, it’s worth the effort. Secondly, keep in mind that you will put on around 10-12 kilos through your pregnancy, although figures vary for different women. Some end up putting on 20; some lesser than 10. It’s always better to be in good shape before you conceive, so that you don’t go overweight in your pregnancy. Also once you have a good exercise regime, you can continue to exercise (not strenuously) during your pregnancy – definitely a healthy option for both mother and child. And think about the advantages to your own body. After the delivery, it’ll be easier to lose the flab.

Before trying to get pregnant, you have to understand how the pill works on your body. Hormones in the pill prevent the release of your egg. So it’s best to get off the pill for about four to five months before you start trying for a baby and let your cycle get re-establish, lest you end up with quadruplets! Also no need for worry because for those women who go off the pill, fertility rates after the right amount of waiting are the same as for women who have never been on the pill. After a miscarriage, most physicians advise a wait of two to three months for the body to heal and become strong enough for another pregnancy. Conceiving too soon may lead to another miscarriage since you’re system is still recovering from the last one. So wait for a few months, eat well, get stronger, and when you feel good enough to try, then go ahead.

The most fertile time for women to conceive is around the days they are ovulating. Doctors recommend intercourse every second day while you’re ovulating. Normally this happens on day 14 of your menstrual cycle which begins on the first day of your periods. If you have regular periods (that is a 28 day cycle usually) with the predictable amount of flow, then you’re ovulating normally, so keep track of when day 14 is. If there’s no fertilization, then your periods will start 14 days after you ovulate. If you have a longer cycle, say a 34 day cycle, then ovulation won’t happen till 20, again 14 days before the start of you next period. Complicated? Not so much. Just keep track of your cycle for a few months and you’ll eventually figure out when you’re ovulating. Another way to identify when you're ovulating is by keeping track of any changes to your vaginal secretions which usually become wetter, thinner and clearer. Also your vagina and vulva will feel wet. By monitoring these changes, you may be able to estimate when you are ovulating. But it’s tough to be sure, so don’t worry about it too much. You could also use an Ovulation Predictor Kit or Ovulation Sticks, which predict the onset of ovulation by checking your urine, and are usually quite reliable. But if your periods are irregular you may end up going through a lot of these sticks!

A preconception checkup is a medical evaluation conducted before attempting pregnancy to identify and address any underlying health conditions that could affect the mother or unborn child. It typically includes a review of medical history, vaccination status, chronic illness screening, and blood tests. Getting a preconception checkup helps reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, birth defects, and maternal health issues - making it one of the most important steps in family planning.

A preconception checkup is typically conducted by a gynaecologist, obstetrician, or infertility specialist. At BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals, specialist consultants offer dedicated preconception counselling sessions to assess your health, review your medical history, and recommend any necessary tests or lifestyle changes before conception.

You’ll be surprised to learn that trying for up to two years can be considered normal before conception. All couples have different results and there’s no real ‘normal’ figure. So don’t worry about it because the more you worry, the more hyper you are, and the lesser chances of your body being relaxed enough to get pregnant. Just try and keep track of your ovulations dates so that you can have sex at the right time.\r\n\r\nSo if after one year you’re getting nowhere, then it’s a good idea to go and see a doctor or perhaps an expert to find out if there is something wrong or if there’s something you can do that will help you conceive. Sometimes it’s a minor problem that can be corrected with medication.

A preconception checkup at BirthRight typically includes:

• Blood tests (haemoglobin, thyroid, Rh factor, HIV, STD panel, thalassemia gene screening)
• Urine test
• Blood pressure measurement
• Ultrasound (where indicated)
• Pap smear and pelvic examination
• Weight assessment
• Psychological evaluation (where applicable)
• Preconception counselling session with a specialist

Stop smoking the moment you decide you want to have a baby. Waiting for at least one month before you start trying for a baby is a good idea, as the nicotine should be completely out of your system when you get pregnant to avoid any adverse effects on the baby.

Smoking can reduce your chances of getting pregnant by up to 40%. Compared to non-smokers, women who smoke usually have to wait almost two months longer to conceive successfully. Even a few cigarettes a day can delay conception, so it is best to stop right away.

Screening procedures including cell-free DNA testing, maternal blood screening, diagnostic tests can all help detect any genetic conditions that may affect the baby. BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals offers pre pregnancy medical checkups and preconception checkups in India.

Although pregnancy is safe after the age of 35, your age is likely to reduce your fertility. After the age of 35, there is a decrease in both the number and quality of eggs available for ovulation. Hormonal changes can also affect ovulation.

A lower frequency of intercourse and conditions such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts may further interfere with conception.

This is not to say that women over 35 will have difficulty conceiving. However, you may need to try for a longer period of time and be prepared for a higher-than-average risk of miscarriage, which is more common in women over 35. Taking extra precautions and receiving proper medical guidance can help support a healthy pregnancy.

One of the biggest advantages of planning your pregnancy is that it allows you to understand potential risks and prepare for the safest and healthiest journey to parenthood. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. A few simple precautions can go a long way in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Happy pregnancy to you!

Yes. BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals has dedicated high-risk obstetric units staffed by experienced maternal-foetal medicine specialists. The hospital manages conditions including gestational diabetes, hypertension during pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, preeclampsia, and pregnancies with foetal abnormalities detected on screening.

BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals has pregnancy care centres in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Guwahati, and Rajahmundry. Each city has multiple clinic and hospital locations for convenient access.

A preconception checkup is done before you become pregnant to assess your health and reduce risks to a future pregnancy. An antenatal or prenatal checkup is done during pregnancy to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing baby. BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals offers both as part of its full-spectrum pregnancy care programme.

Ideally, you should schedule a preconception consultation at least three to six months before you plan to try for a baby. This allows enough time to complete any required vaccinations, address nutritional deficiencies, manage weight, and receive genetic counselling if needed.