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Pre-Pregnancy CheckupShould I have a pre-pregnancy checkup before I try to become pregnant? What other health issues should I be concerned about when I’m thinking about having a baby? Are there any special medical circumstances to think about? Should I have a pre-pregnancy checkup before I try to become pregnant?A pre-pregnancy checkup is a smart idea. Your health care provider can help you minimize risks associated with pregnancy and any existing medical conditions that could affect and/or be affected by pregnancy. The more you can inform your caregiver before you conceive about your medical and family history, medications you take, any past pregnancies you've had, and your diet and lifestyle, the better advice he/she can give you to help you have a healthy pregnancy.If you are taking any prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, or alternative or herbal remedies, your caregiver can advise you about how and why you may need to change your practices. Some drugs, and even seemingly harmless ones like some acne medicines or certain vitamins, can actually have the opposite affect on you once you become pregnant and/or could affect your baby. A pre-pregnancy checkup is good idea if you have an existing medical condition that could pose risks to you and/or your baby during pregnancy such as:
At your pre-pregnancy checkup, you should discuss the medications you are taking or should be taking for any of these conditions, as your health care provider will want to evaluate them in terms of their affect on you and the developing fetus. Even if you think you are healthy and ready to get pregnant, a pre-pregnancy checkup is a good opportunity to start asking questions. Make a list of issues before your appointment and ask your caregiver for information. What other health issues should I be concerned about when I’m thinking about having a baby?You should definitely see a health care professional if you:
You should be aware that many of these diseases can have no symptoms. On general principle, if you are planning to get pregnant, have a pre-pregnancy checkup and ask your health care provider for the appropriate tests for sexually transmitted diseases. Exposure to chickenpox, rubella (German measles), and the measles during pregnancy can cause birth defects in your baby. Before getting pregnant, you should make sure that you are immune to these common childhood diseases, either because you have had them already or because you've been vaccinated against them. If you don't have your childhood medical records you can find out through a simple blood test if you are immune to these conditions. Most women are immune. However, if it turns out you need an immunization shot, wait at least three months after having that shot before trying to get pregnant. If you need booster shots for mumps, polio, or tetanus, the same caution should be taken; wait at least three months after having the last booster shot before trying to get pregnant. Are there any special medical circumstances to think about?If you are over 35 or have a family history of congenital (inherited) birth defects, you might want to consult with a genetic counselor.Most recent page update: 10/26/2012
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Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
News and Features
Listening to MothersSM III: New Mothers Speak Out (June 2013) reports on new national surveys about issues women face in the postpartum period and their views about maternity care.
Access the full report and supplementary materials  Listening to MothersSM III (May 2013) is the third national survey exploring women's experiences in pregnancy and childbirth. Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to navigate their maternity care. Access the full report and supplementary materials New Report: Maternity Care and Liability Go to report and supporting materials New Report: The Cost of Having a Baby in the United States Go to report and supporting materials New Cesarean Resources: Go to Best Evidence Report Go to web pages and booklet for women 
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