Preconception Planning
🔍 What Is Preconception Planning?
- A proactive healthcare discussion prior to conception about fertility, pregnancy risks, and optimizing health for both partners :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Recommended at least 3–6 months before trying to conceive :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
🛠️ Main Goals
- Assess risks from medical history, family history, lifestyle, and environment :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, mental health) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Optimize lifestyle: healthy weight, balanced diet, quit smoking/alcohol, reduce stress :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Ensure up-to-date vaccinations and medications safety :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
🧪 Recommended Screenings & Interventions
| Screening/Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| General health check (BP, blood tests, pelvic exam) | Detect health issues, anemia, infections :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Folic acid (400–800 µg/day) | Prevents neural tube defects :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| Vaccination update (e.g., MMR) | Protect from infections harmful to fetus :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| STI testing (e.g., HIV, chlamydia) | Reduce pregnancy complications :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| Genetic screening/counseling | Assess risk of inherited conditions :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
| Dental check-up | Prevent gum disease linked to preterm birth :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} |
| Mental health evaluation | Manage conditions that affect pregnancy and postpartum well‑being :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} |
👫 Role of Both Partners
- Both partners should be assessed—male health affects sperm, fertility, and pregnancy environment :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Shared lifestyle improvements (nutrition, exercise, quitting smoking/alcohol) benefit conception :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Discuss family health history, genetic risks, and environmental exposures jointly :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
⌛ When to Start
- Ideally 3–6 months before trying to conceive—to allow time for interventions (e.g., nutrient stores, chronic condition control) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Bottom line: Preconception planning helps identify and reduce risks—medical, genetic, behavioral—for a healthier conception, pregnancy, and baby.
Source: Ichhori.com