Meeting fertility specialists before trying for pregnancy is called preconception counselling. It helps identify risk factors and treat any medical problems involved or related to women’s fertility. Hence preconception counselling should be considered an integral part of healthcare for women of reproductive age.
Role of preconception counselling clinics
These clinics aim to deal with common preconceptions involving family planning, achieving an ideal body weight, detecting and treating infectious diseases, updating appropriate immunisations, and reviewing medications for teratogenic effects.
Any vitamin or mineral deficiency is corrected through proper diet and supplements. Women opting for pregnancy are advised to maintain their haemoglobin levels and take folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects. They also aim to control any chronic disease conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and seizure conditions to facilitate smooth and safe pregnancy.
Role of preconception counselling clinics
These clinics aim to deal with common preconceptions involving family planning, achieving an ideal body weight, detecting and treating infectious diseases, updating appropriate immunisations, and reviewing medications for teratogenic effects.
Any vitamin or mineral deficiency is corrected through proper diet and supplements. Women opting for pregnancy are advised to maintain their haemoglobin levels and take folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects. They also aim to control any chronic disease conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and seizure conditions to facilitate smooth and safe pregnancy.
Challenges involved in preconception counselling
The common challenge to preconception counselling is that most pregnancies are unplanned. Nearly one-half of the pregnancies are unintended; therefore, preconception counselling should be considered an integral part of healthcare for women of reproductive age.
Another most common problem is that most women do not realise and understand the benefits of preconception counselling. Many women take their biological conditions for granted and fail to analyse underlying issues.
Steps involved in preconception
counselling
What to expect at the clinic:
- Questionnaire – the partners are asked about their previous medical H/O, previous pregnancies, menstrual history, contraceptive use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Pap smears and vaginal infections. The patient’s family history, lifestyle, workplace atmosphere, etc., are also considered.
- Physical assessment/lab tests
- The couple is counselled on fertility awareness.
- Based on the results of the above examinations, the patient is advised to make some lifestyle and dietary modifications if deemed necessary.
During preconception screening, partners are tested for
Semen analysis - to assess the fertility potential in the male partner.
Tests to check for ovarian reserve are carried out to assess fertility potential in the female partner.
A pelvic ultrasound scan and vaginal examination details the exact status of the uterus and ovaries and rule out pelvic pathology, which might impair pregnancy chances. A cervical smear is also performed.
Areas addressed by preconception counselling
Nutritional conditions
Genetic conditions
Environmental health
Fertility Issues
Mental health
Vaccine-preventable diseases
Reasons why you must consider
preconception counselling
Preconception care positively affects a range of health outcomes and prepares the couple for a healthy pregnancy.
Our Expert Team
S Vyjayanthi
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MD, DGO, DNB, MRCOG, MSC (Embryology UK)
Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery (RCOG, UK)
Director and Fertility Specialist, MotherToBe
Head of Department & Consultant Fertility Specialist, KIMS, Secunderabad.
Dr Namrata Varma
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Consultant in Reproductive Medicine
MBBS, DGO, ICOG Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine
Dr Namrata has eight years of experience dealing with couples with fertility issues and has vast experience counselling couples in IVF and related procedures. She is a patient listener and a good communicator, which helps her connect well with the patients.
Dr Sharadha Golconda
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MBBS DGO FIRM – Consultant Gynaecologist
Dr Sharada Golconda comes with a rich experience of 10+ years. She is well-versed in treating the entire gamut of women’s health issues, from puberty to menopause. She has vast experience in imaging modalities like ultrasound which help her diagnose and treat a variety of gynaecological emergencies, ectopic pregnancy in particular. Minimal invasive surgeries ( laparoscopy and hysteroscopy ) or keyhole surgeries are her forte.
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