What tests should be performed before pregnancy?

Check-ups before expanding your family are not time-consuming and every woman planning to have children should undergo them. To this end, it is worth visiting a gynecologist, a primary care physician, and going for laboratory tests. Furthermore, the woman's partner should also visit a specialist doctor. The first visits before getting pregnant should take place about six months before conception. The foundation consists of regular visits to the gynecologist and a thorough medical history check. Only an in-depth analysis will allow for planning the pregnancy so that the birth of the child proceeds without the slightest problems. What tests should be performed before pregnancy to avoid stress in the final phase?

Basic tests before pregnancy

A woman planning to expand her family should go for basic tests before pregnancy. These consist of fundamental laboratory tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential - allows for the assessment of the patient's health before fertilization.
• Blood grouping and Rh factor - these provide information about potential serological conflict between parents. The child's father should also undergo this test.
• Urinalysis - one of the fundamental tests.
• Thyroid tests - thyroid disease can make it difficult to conceive or interfere with the course of pregnancy.
• Liver function tests and blood clotting factor - tests needed if hormonal contraception was being used.
• Glucose - needed to detect potential diabetes, which is dangerous for the baby.
• Hepatitis B test - viral hepatitis B is a very serious virus during pregnancy.

It is worth performing all of these tests to be sure that the mother is fully prepared for the arrival of the little one. After the full series of tests and receiving positive results, the baby's health should not be at risk.

What additional tests are worth conducting before pregnancy?

Pregnancy planning should take place well in advance of fertilization. The future mother should visit a dentist to check the condition of her teeth and treat any cavities. Inflammation in the oral cavity can be a reason why it is difficult to get pregnant. In cases of infertility issues, it is worth signing up for a semen analysis to determine the quality of the partner's sperm. A family history interview regarding genetic diseases is also important. Appropriate tests will allow for the assessment of the risk of passing defective genes to the child. Besides, it is important to observe your body and perform regular check-ups. It is also worth monitoring blood pressure.

Tests before pregnancy for a patient with a chronic disease

Pregnancy planning for women with epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid conditions should be consulted with doctors beforehand. Tests before pregnancy for a patient with a chronic disease should be much more detailed. A specialist doctor should select medications so they do not pose a threat to the mother and fetus. A flare-up of the disease is a sign not to plan a pregnancy. Many medications cannot be used by pregnant women, which could negatively impact the mother's health.