Tests to Do Before Pregnancy - Preconception, Periconception

There is a lot you can do and some tests you can take before you get pregnant to improve both your chances getting pregnant as
well as your chances having a healthy baby.

Most couples follow the famous slogan "Just Do IT" when trying to conceive. What most couples do not realize is that there is a lot you can do before you get pregnant to improve both your chances getting pregnant as well as your chances having a healthy baby.

For one, taking folic acid and starting it 1-2 months before conception decreases your risk of a miscarriage and decreases your risk of having a baby with a congenital malformation.

Going to see your doctor for a periconception visit is an important first step. Your doctor will take a history and examine you. In addition there are some tests you may want to take prior to getting pregnant.

When you first see your doctor for a prenatal visit there are a lot of tests being done. We recommend that women who TTC consider having the following tests BEFORE getting pregnant:

1. Pap Smear
2. TSH (checks thyroid)
3. Sperm analysis
4. Postcoital test (PCT)
5. Check Ovulation with the basal body temperature curve (BBT)
6. Cycle Day 3 tests if problems with TTC
7. HIV
8. Herpes
9. Hepatitis A
10. Hepatitis B
11. VDRL
12. Vaginal tests for GC and Chlamydia
13. Rubella titers
14. Chickenpox titers
15. Parvovirus B-19 (Fifth Disease) titers
16. Cytomegalovirus titers
17. Toxoplasmosis titers
18. Type and Rh both partner's blood
19. CBC and hemoglobinelectophoresis
20. Genetic screening (based on ethnicity): Sickle Screen, Thalassemia Screen, Jewish Genetic Diseases