Preconception Planning Is A Tool For Birth Defect Prevention

When deciding to have a baby, one thing to take into consideration is if the mom-to-be's body is ready to handle the stress pregnancy will put on it and if the body is optimally ready for pregnancy and the needs of the fetus. There is plenty that can be done during preconception that will help to prevent birth defects and ensure that the result of your pregnancy is a healthy baby.

As soon as the decision is made to start trying to have a baby, the woman should schedule a preconception planning appointment with her obstetrician. This preconception planning appointment will have the goal of making sure that the woman is healthy and physically capable of conceiving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. There will be several topics of discussion that should take place during this appointment, so the woman should be prepared to answer questions and to receive answers to her questions regarding conception and pregnancy.

Some of the topics discussed during this preconception appointment may be:

Birth Control

Immunities

Chronic Health Conditions

Family History

Medications and Supplements

Maternal and Paternal age

Previous pregnancies

Lifestyle

Male Partner

Birth Control:

It is important to discuss the birth control recently used because some forms of birth control may have an effect on your conception.

Immunities:

Your unborn baby needs to be protected from diseases that mom if exposed to can be harmful to the fetus. Such diseases that maybe harmful to the fetus if contracted during pregnancy are: chickenpox (varicella) and German measles (rubella). If you have not had these diseases or have not been vaccinated against these diseases already, your doctor may advise you to be vaccinated at least one month before you begin to try to conceive.

Chronic Conditions:

Certain chronic conditions that the mom-to-be may have can have an effect on the unborn baby such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and PKU. These conditions must be under control and those with PKU need to be on a special diet before conceiving and continue on the special diet through the entire pregnancy.

Obesity may also have consequences for the developing fetus so the mom may wish to control her weight before conceiving. The doctor will describe any special care needed during conception and pregnancy.

Family History:

There can be an increased risk for birth defects based on family history so it is critical that a through and accurate history be taken on both sides of the family. Condition may be relevant from the father's side of the family as well as the mother's; especially genetic risk factors need to be considered. After taking the family medical history, you may be referred to genetic counseling if there are any concerns.

Medications and Supplements:

Your doctor will need to know about any medications that you or your partner took before or will be taking during the conception cycles. This history should include any over-the-counter medications or street drugs, if any. Herbs and supplements of any kind should also be discussed, as they may be relevant to conception.

Your doctor may prescribe a prenatal vitamin for the mom to start taking as folic acid is important to the developing fetus in the early stage, even before the mom knows she is pregnant.

Age:

Maternal and paternal age may be a factor in the ability to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. After age 35, the woman has an increased risk for miscarriage and for certain chromosomal birth defects. Some pregnancy-related problems such as gestational diabetes are more common in older moms-to-be.

Previous pregnancies:

Your doctor is not already familiar with past pregnancies will need to be told about them, especially any complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, premature birth, and any birth defects. Knowing these factors will increase your chance for a healthy pregnancy and baby with your next pregnancy.

Lifestyle:

It is wise to make healthy lifestyle choices during conception and pregnancy for the health of the mom and the health of the unborn baby. Healthy lifestyle choices include: eating, exercise, stress control, recreation, and work related issues. It also includes avoiding caffeine, alcohol, recreational drugs, unhealthy eating habits and smoking.

Partner:

The male partner should attend the preconception appointment so that he can relate any medical, family history and lifestyle issues that are important to the conception process and to the health of the pregnancy and care of the mom and baby during the pregnancy.

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