Getting Pregnant??

When you are trying to conceive all you need to know about to prepare yourself for the healthiest pregnancy possible. If Pregnancy is your short term plan, then Pre Conception counseling should be the priority. For some women getting their body ready for pregnancy takes a few months. Whether it is your first baby or second, a gynecologist opinion will help you get ready for the healthier pregnancy. Once you get an appointment with Dr. Usha.B.R the following questions you will be asked. So. You may have to gather information before the consultation.

The check list:

The type of birth control you are on : We will let you know when to stop your birth control and how long you should ideally wait, if at all, before you can start trying for that baby of yours.

Your menstrual cycles: You’ll be asked about the date of your last period and the length of your cycles. This will help guide a discussion about your fertility and the best time each month to try to conceive. Previous pregnancy details should be discussed with discharge summary.

Your diet and lifestyle habits: Be prepared to be asked about what you eat and whether you drink or smoke. You'll also be weighed. We will discuss ways to boost your fertility through possible diet and lifestyle changes (as well as weight loss) if any are needed.

A list of the medications you currently take: Whether it’s over-the-counter or prescription, we will discuss all the drugs (as well as vitamin and herbal supplements) you take some are safe during pregnancy, others may not be.

Any chronic conditions or medical problems you have: Any medical problems that should be treated before conception or will need to be monitored during pregnancy are important to talk about during the preconception visit, so be sure you have all the information about your medical history, including your mental health history, ready. Any surgeries that you have undergone should be discussed with the doctor along with discharge summary if available. The good news is that with the right care and precautions, most chronic conditions are perfectly compatible with getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

Your recent travel: If you or your partner live in or recently travelled to an area where Covid 19 virus is prevalent, we will counsel you about the best conception plan, including whether you should wait before trying to conceive. So be sure you remember all your recent travel locations before you visit Usha specialty Clinic.

Your family history: When you’re starting a family, your family tree matters. so you’ll be ready to answer the family history questions you’ll be getting. For instance, we will want to know if there’s a history of breast cancer (and, depending on that answer, may recommend you get a baseline mammogram before you conceive). Your doctor will also ask about your and your partner’s family history of medical conditions (such as type 2 diabetes & hypertension) and pregnancy conditions (such as preeclampsia) that might affect your pregnancy. Any genetic diseases recurring in the family will be reviewed. History of vaccinations in childhood, history of chickenpox in childhood would be asked for.

What tests and screenings will I get at my preconception appointment?

Your preconception check up will include a lot of pre-pregnancy-specific tests and screenings, plus many of the standard screenings you’re used to from your regular annual visit. Here’s what you can expect:

1. A Pap test
2. A pelvic, breast and abdominal exam
3. Blood pressure reading
4. Screening for any gynecological conditions with an ultrasound scan that might interfere with fertility or pregnancy, such as irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, cysts, benign tumors, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
5. A weight check. If your weight isn’t close to the ideal weight for your size and body type, your doctor can help you set some goals to get your weight conception-ready.
6. A urine test to screen for urinary tract infection and kidney disease
7. A blood test to check hemoglobin count (to test for anemia), vitamin D levels (to make sure you’re not deficient), Rh factor (to see if you are positive or negative), rubella titer, (to check for immunity to rubella), varicella titer if there is no history of Chickenpox in childhood (to check for immunity to chicken pox), thyroid function and sexually transmitted diseases ( if indicated )
8. A mental health screening. Depression, anxiety disorder or any other mental health issue, including eating disorders, can interfere with conception and increase your risk of mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. If you normally see a therapist (or think you need to see one), a visit for a preconception screening is a good idea as well.

What fertility tests might my doctor do?

If you’re under 35 and have no known fertility issues, there aren’t any additional tests in store for you at the first preconception checkup. To be proactive testing mom’s to be blood for certain fertility markers could give a heads up on any potential difficulties in the fertility department. These tests might include a blood test to check FSH and LH (testing for these two hormones on day 3 of your cycle can help determine how many eggs you have in reserve in your ovaries) and AMH (testing for the anti-mullerian hormone also measures ovarian reserve). If you have PCOS, testing for male hormones such as testosterone and DHEA-S may be ordered.

What vaccines do I need to get before I get pregnant?

Even if you received a full set of vaccines as a child, it doesn’t mean you’re off the immunization hook now that you’re about to embark on project conception. Some vaccines require boosters to keep immunities going strong and you want to make sure your immunity is top-notch before you get baby on board. The blood tests you’re getting at your preconception checkup will clue your doctor in to whether or not you have all the antibodies needed to keep you and your baby-to-be healthy during pregnancy. But it’s not just about pregnancy. Since infants aren’t fully immunized against these diseases until at least 6 months, your good health and antibodies will be vital in protecting your newborn baby’s health.

Keep in mind that once you conceive, some vaccines will be off the table, so if your antibody levels are low or you have some immunization holes that need filling in. Here are some vaccines that might be on your preconception agenda:

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): If you’ve never been immunized against this trio of serious childhood diseases, or if testing shows your immunity wore off (it happens), you’ll need the MMR vaccine. Remember to wait one month from the time you get the vaccine until you start trying to conceive.

Chicken pox (varicella): If you’ve never had chicken pox or weren’t vaccinated against it, it’s recommended that you get the varicella vaccine pre-pregnancy as 2 doses 4 weeks apart, and that you wait at least one month after complete the course before you start trying to conceive.

Hepatitis B: If you’re at high risk for hepatitis B, it’s recommended that you get vaccinated against hepB. The hep B shots come in a series of three, and if you don’t finish up the series before you conceive, it’s safe to continue it during pregnancy.

HPV (human papilloma virus): Are you younger than 26? If yes, you should be vaccinated against HPV with the full series of three shots before trying to conceive. If you become pregnant before completing the full series, you’ll have to resume the shots postpartum.

During pregnancy you’ll need to roll up your sleeves for two more shots: the flu shot and the Tetanus-diphtheria pertussis (Tdap) vaccine (which should be given ideally around 28 weeks to 36 weeks of pregnancy).

Remember, even if you’ve never had a sick day, seeing your doctor(s) and dentist for thorough preconception checkups before you start trying to get pregnant will help ensure that all baby-making systems are good and that you’re setting yourself up for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Take 400 mcg of Folic acid everyday:

Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman has enough of folic acid in her body atleast one month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.

Your wise decision to visit a fertility specialist would make her understand and guide you better, as the goal of preconception care is first of all to know and then to improve your pregnancy outcomes by managing any risk factors. A fertility specialist takes complete health history to identify any pre-existing or in future conditions that may affect pregnancy.

You know your body better than anybody.

You will have to trust your Doctor to get fruitful results.

Pre-Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy care consists of advice & treatment given before birth and after birth healthcare for expectant mothers. It involves close monitoring and trainings to ensure a healthy pre pregnancy, pregnancy, and labour and delivery for mom and baby.

Care starts before you start trying

Prenatal care helps decrease risks during pregnancy and increases the chance of a safe and healthy delivery. Regular prenatal visits can help us monitor your pregnancy and identify any problems or complications before they become serious. Prenatal care ideally starts at least three months before you begin trying to conceive. Some healthy habits to follow during this period include:

1. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol
2. Taking folic acid supplements daily (400 to 800 micrograms)
3. Talking to your doctor about your medical conditions, dietary supplements, and any over-the-counter or prescription drugs that you take
4. Avoiding all contact with toxic substances and chemicals at home or work that could be harmful
5. Vaccinations
6. Blood investigations
7. Pelvic Ultrasound
8. Papsmear