Introduction
If you are planning a pregnancy remember that
the first thing to do is to meet your gynaecologist & tell them
about your plans & ask for advice regarding the following :
Ø Fertility period
Ø Preconception Folic acid 5mg tablets once
daily.
Ø Confirm whether you have received the
Measles vaccine (MMR) in the past, if not take it now.
Ø Preconception risk evaluation after taking
a detailed history regarding family history of hereditary diseases
or mental retardation in any family member.
Ø Age related risk evaluation of down's
syndrome.
Ø Screening for infections like HIV, HbSAg
etc., for both husband & wife.
Ø Screening for hereditary diseases like
Thalassemia or Haemophilia.
Ø Other basic tests to treat simple problems
like anaemia or genital infections.
Thus with a few of these points in mind, a couple
now finds it easier to plan a pregnancy with lesser risk factors
or at least risk factors that can be taken care of prior to pregnancy.
