Getting pregnant is one of the biggest miracles in life. There are, however, many precautions to take while bearing a child. Having the proper information can make a huge difference in whether or not the pregnancy goes according to plan for the mother and the baby. Sometimes there are steps that should be taken care of before a woman gets pregnant, like a preconception checkup. It is important to get a preconception checkup to ensure your healthy pregnancy.
Why Is A Preconception Checkup Important?
A preconception checkup is crucial because it allows a woman to verify that she is biologically, behaviorally, and socially healthy and ready to get pregnant. It is a screening that should take place before getting pregnant or even in between pregnancies. If the screening finds anything amiss with the woman’s health, it allows for the preventative steps to be taken to ensure that the baby will not be affected by any of the required treatments.
There are too many premature babies born every year. Premature means born before the 37th week of gestation. Being born prematurely puts the baby at a higher risk of health problems. A preconception test can ensure the longest carrying time. A screening helps a woman know what measures she can take to fight against sickness and other health concerns which will, in turn, reduce the risk of the baby becoming sick.
What Does A Preconception Checkup Look For?
Although a preconception screening is generally overlooked by women, it is important because it searches for conditions that can put the baby at a higher risk for health or birth defects. For example, the checkup will search for problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other serious conditions. Besides just searching for these obvious illnesses, the screening will also keep the mother informed on the importance of limiting their alcohol intake, smoking, and other drug concerns, and check to see if the mother is current with all her immunizations.
Planning For the Future
Nobody wants to plan for their baby to have genetic issues, but with a preconception screening, a health care provider can let you know if there is anything to worry about before you conceive. They will ask you for information regarding you and your partner’s family history in addition to your own so there’ no stone left unturned. If they see anything that might raise a red flag, they will direct you to a genetic counselor that specializes in that field. It’s a way to make sure that you are able to take the best care of your baby possible.
