Pre-conception health recommendations for prospective parents

What are the pre-conception health recommendations for prospective parents?

Pre-conception health recommendations are made to improve the long term and short-term health outcomes for women and their children

It is advisable for women hoping to become pregnant to book an appointment with their doctor to discuss diet and weight management, as well as smoking and alcohol consumption. The doctor will also discuss factors such as use of drugs, including prescription drugs and over the counter medicines.

While hoping to become pregnant, women should undergo cervical screening and immunisation status.

It is recommended that women hoping to conceive should concentrate on the well-being of their partner, alongside their own well-being.

How can I optimise my fertility before trying to conceive?

Weight management is essential to women who wish to conceive. Fertility is decreased in women who are very thin or obese.

There is no evidence that normal diet variations affect women who are normal weight (body mass index 19-25) and who have regular periods.

There are several different lifestyle aspects which are associated with reduced fertility. These are as follows:

• smoking
• heavy alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks per day)
• heavy caffeine consumption
• use of recreational drugs 

While trying to conceive, women and their male partners should reduce alcohol and caffeine use and avoid smoking and all recreational drugs.

What lifestyle changes can improve my chances of having a healthy pregnancy?

It is recommended to make some lifestyle changes in order to improve the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Any woman hoping to become pregnant should stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.

They should also focus on regular exercise, as this can improve chances of a healthy pregnancy.

It is also important to focus on mental health issues, particularly reducing stress. Doctors recommend things such as taking regular holidays to avoid stress and improve mental health.

What genetic screening tests should I consider before getting pregnant?

With regard to pre-pregnancy genetic tests, there are a few aspects that women must consider. They must think about family history of genetic problems and their age. Increasing age affects fertility because of genetic problems.

If an issue is identified, they should consider a referral to a specialist obstetrician.

Are there any medications or health conditions that could affect my fertility or pregnancy outcomes?

While considering pregnancy, the woman and her male partner must consider health conditions which may affect the pregnancy. Health conditions which can particularly affect pregnancy include heart disease, diabetes and epilepsy.

Additionally, if there is a family history of spina bifida, this must be discussed, as it can increase risk to the baby if conception takes place.

Are there any other things I should discuss with a medical professional?

Some couples have a health history that warrants consulting a healthcare professional either before or early in the process of trying to get pregnant. Consultation should take place if any of the following health issues apply to the woman:

• irregular no menstrual periods
• negative luteinizing hormone tests,
• history of sexually transmitted infection
• prior pelvic or abdominal surgery for any reason
• prior history of infertility

The male partner should also have a discussion with a healthcare professional if his health history includes:

• known problems with the testicles or genitals
• hypospadia (opening of the urethra not in the end of the penis)
• sexually transmitted infection
• problems with ejaculation
• prior history of infertility

As an obstetrician and sub specialist in foetal and maternal medicine,Mr Keith Duncan would be happy to answer any further questions regarding any pre-conception questions you may have. To book a consultation or e-consultation today, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.