2006-10-20 11:03:56 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
Meeting with your doctor or midwife ahead of time can help you start pregnancy in the best possible shape, prepare you for what’s to come, and allow you to prevent some potential problems. If you don’t make a pre-conception appointment, most of these issues will be addressed during your first prenatal visit, but by then you may have missed some opportunities for prevention.
Your health: if you have any medical problems, like diabetes, asthma, connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease, or anemia, you should be in your best possible health before getting pregnant. Diabetes, for instance, causes birth defects if the blood sugars are not well controlled during the first few weeks after conception—a time when many women don’t even know they are pregnant. Your practitioner will ask you about your health, to screen for conditions that can affect pregnancy.
Your reproductive history: some causes of pregnancy complications are best evaluated before pregnancy. If you have had a prior preemie, for example, you should talk to your doctor to see if there is anything you can do to prevent your next baby from coming early. Your doctor or midwife will ask you about any previous pregnancies, abortions and infections, and will do a physical examination including a pelvic and Pap test if you are due.
Genetics: some couples carry recessive genes that don’t combine well. For example, if your ancestors are from Europe, you have about a 4% chance of carrying the gene that causes cystic fibrosis (CF). If both you and your partner have this gene, your baby could develop CF. a serious lung disease. Knowing about the gene ahead of time expands your options. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques provide new ways to prevent some genetic diseases before you get pregnant, but only if you know that your baby is at risk. Not knowing about these genes means you miss this opportunity. Your practitioner will ask about your ancestry, and then offer genetic testing based on family history and ethnicity.
Folic acid reminder: a preconception appointment will also give your practitioner a chance to remind you to take a multivitamin or supplement with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid, which has been shown to prevent about 50% of the cases of the serious spinal defect, spina bifida.
Don’t worry if you are already pregnant. These issues will be addressed at your first prenatal appointment. Recommendations for a pre-conception appointment are fairly new, and most families do fine with screening early in the first trimester.
2006-10-20 12:34:29 · answer #1 · answered by chapped lips 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to, but I think it's a good idea. I just went off my b/c a few weeks ago. I went ahead and scheuled a PAP though, just to make sure everything was OK, and it also gave me an opportunity to ask my OB/GYN some questions.
That way, I can rest easy that my PAP is OK, he can check for breast lumps, and make sure my cervix and all that is ready for the job. It just made me feel a lot better to do that.
He also gave me advice on taking mutivitamins (and not needing a prenatal vitamin at this point), and just some things I can do to better my chances of conceiving sooner. I would recommend seeing a doctor prior. Especially if it is your first pregnancy he can tell you what to expect. This will be my third though, and it still made me feel better.
2006-10-20 15:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by CattGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that's an awesome Q. :-) I always wondered that too. My opinion is that it's always a good idea to get a check up to make sure all systems are go before you try to have a baby, just in case there are things going on in your body that would make pregnancy difficult. Again, I'm going off of my opinion as a woman, but the best thing to do in any case is talk directly with your ob/gyn. I know mine specializes in birth planning, or whatever you call pre-pre-natal, lol. Good luck!
2006-10-20 11:07:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like to have a physical done before trying to conceive. I dislike having a pap when pregnant, so I have it done before I get pregnant. A few blood tests to make sure that everything is okay. Always a good idea to be proactive about your health.
2006-10-20 13:14:50 · answer #4 · answered by PLDFK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, although it's probably not the end of the world if you don't. You should start taking your prenatal vitamins before conception, and your doc may have a preferred prescription brand. Your doctor can also give you good advice on helping you concieve and maintaining the optimum health for you and your baby.
2006-10-20 11:08:41 · answer #5 · answered by MissA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES. You need to have an STD test before you get pregnant (just in case you have something and dont know) and so you can have a physical exam and the dr may put you on vitamins.
2006-10-20 13:54:37 · answer #6 · answered by Educated 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It couldn't hurt, especially if you are due for your yearly exam anyway. Tell the Dr. that you want to make sure you are healthy before you start trying to have a baby. And make sure the Daddy is healthy too, if he smokes or drinks, urge him to quit, so you'll both be healthy, that's the greatest gift you can give your baby - a healthy, loving family. Good Luck!
2006-10-20 11:27:35 · answer #7 · answered by nimo22 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not have to go to your .doctor but if you don't feel well or suspect that you are with child: then it is very important to do so. The obstetrician will advise you through the pregnancy and do necessary tests for delivery of a healthy baby. Good luck to you.
2006-10-20 11:16:40 · answer #8 · answered by Junebug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is always a good idea to go into a pregnancy knowing that you are ready and able to carry a baby to term. Also the Doctor can advise you on proper nutrition.
2006-10-20 11:06:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did for a cheak up and the doctor put me on prenatal vitamins. It would be a really good idea.
2006-10-20 12:56:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋