What does a gardener do before planting a seed in the garden? They test the soil pH, add nutrients, and clear weeds months before sowing. Right! To ensure the optimal environment for plant growth.
Preparing for pregnancy also works in a similar manner. Before conception, you should consult your doctor for the important tests, eat healthy food, and take necessary actions so that you can create the healthiest possible environment for a baby to grow.
Continue reading to know what components are included in preconception care.
Read Also: Tips to Handle a High-Risk Pregnancy
Why Preconception Care is Important
Preconception care is care you receive before you get pregnant (at least 3–6 months before trying to conceive).
It has the following benefits:
- Find and take care of any issues that might affect you and your baby later, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Doctors may recommend folic acid at least one month before conception to help prevent neural tube defects.
- Enhance egg and sperm quality
- Doctors evaluate any family history or genetic risks.
- Decrease pregnancy complications and risk of preterm birth.
Read Also: How Wellness Programs Help Mothers During Pregnancy
Vital Preconception Tests Recommended by Experts at the Best Pregnancy Hospital in Jaipur
Your doctor can perform a preconception health checkup by ordering the following tests to identify potential issues that may affect your fertility and pregnancy outcomes:
1. Complete Blood Test (CBC)
A CBC test evaluates overall health by measuring red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (immune system/infections), and platelets (clotting ability).
What it helps detect
- Anemia
- Infections
- Clotting disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies (i.e., low Vitamin D or B12)
Read Also: First Trimester of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Changes, and What to Expect
2. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test for Women
It measures the AMH levels in the blood, produced by ovarian follicles, to estimate ovarian reserve.
What it helps detect
- Help assess if ovarian reserve is high, low, or normal for a given age.
- High AMH levels often indicate PCOS.
- Low AMH levels may indicate premature or early menopause.
Check the impact of ovarian surgery and chemotherapy on fertility
Read Also: Trimester-by-Trimester Pregnancy Health Checklist
3. Ovulation Test (or Ovulation Predictor Kit, OPK)
It is a home-use tool designed to detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in a woman's urine.
What it helps detect
- It helps women with irregular periods identify their ovulation timing.
- Help identify the most fertile days to conceive.
4. Thyroid Function Test
The test measures hormone levels of TSH, Free T4, and sometimes TPO antibodies.
What it helps detect
- Identify thyroid imbalances such as hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive).
- Detects the underlying cause of irregular menstruation, reduced fertility, and a higher risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
5. Blood Sugar (Glucose) Screening
It measures the levels of glucose, HbA1c, or OGTT (the body's response to sugar over 2-3 hours).
What it helps detect
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Insulin Resistance
6. Hormone Profile Test
It is a comprehensive blood panel that measures the levels of hormones like FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone.
What it helps detect
- Irregular cycles
- Poor egg quality
- Underlying fertility issues
- Low egg reserve
- Conditions like hyperprolactinemia
- Increased miscarriage risk
7. Screening of Infectious Disease
It identifies the presence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, and STIs like chlamydia/gonorrhea.
How it Help
- Treat the infection before pregnancy
- Reduce risks of miscarriage, preterm birth and congenital infections
8. Pelvic Ultrasound
The test uses sound waves to image pelvic organs such as the uterus (womb), ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
What it helps detect
- Fibroids
- Cysts
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Any blockages affecting fertility
9. Genetic Testing Before Pregnancy
It consists of a blood or saliva test to identify any gene mutations that could be transferred to the baby during pregnancy.
What it helps detect
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sickle cell disease
- Fragile X syndrome
- Chromosomal issues
- Other hereditary disorders
When to Consult Your Fertility Specialist
Couples can consider consulting a fertility specialist if:
- Unable to conceive for over one year.
- If you are over 35 and need guidance.
- If you have any underlying condition like PCOS or endometriosis, it can impact fertility.
Conclusion
Many couples think about their health only after pregnancy begins. But experts suggest that couples must make necessary changes at least three to six months before trying to conceive. Taking proactive steps not only improves the chances of conception but also helps you achieve a healthy, safe, and successful pregnancy.
How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy | Fertility Boosting Tips
By adapting these lifestyle changes to improve or support your fertility:
- Follow your doctor’s advice
- Take your prenatal vitamins on time if prescribed
- Focus on nutrient-dense diets (folate and iron)
- Manage stress
- Sleep for 7-9 hours
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in moderate exercise
- Limit caffeine intake and alcohol consumption
Are you looking for the best fertility hospital?
Contact Cocoon Hospital at contactjpr@cocoon.co.in; 08929816349 for the best outcome.
We are known for the following qualities.
- Board-certified gynecologists with 20+ years in natural deliveries.
- Personalized plans aligned with a patient-centric approach.
- Affordable, transparent pricing.
- Welcomed over 19,000 babies into the world
- We offer prenatal programs, nutrition counseling, and antenatal yoga.
FAQs
Q1: What are the tips to get pregnant faster?
A:
- Track your menstrual cycle.
- Identify your fertile window by using ovulation predictor kits or tracking apps.
- Increase your frequency of physical intimacy, ideally every 1–2 days.
- Follow your doctor's advice and focus on a healthy lifestyle.
Q2: Why do doctors recommend folic acid before pregnancy?
A: Taking folic acid (vitamin B9) before trying to conceive helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, known as neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida.
Q3: Which are the best prenatal vitamins?
A: There is no such thing as the best prenatal vitamins; it depends on diet, location, and health. Your doctor can recommend folic acid, iron, vitamin D, DHA, iodine, and choline to support your and your baby's growth.
