SCF: 30-31, SECTOR-11, HUDA, URBAN ESTATE, Panipat, Haryana 132103 SCF: 30-31, SECTOR-11, HUDA, URBAN ESTATE, Panipat, Haryana 132103Marriage is a wonderful thing to plan for, but it is also a great thing to plan for a healthy marriage. Pre-marital and pre-conception counselling enables couples to be aware of their physical, emotional and reproductive health prior to entering into marriage.
At these consultations, health professionals can recognize health conditions, genetic risks, nutritional deficiencies, vaccinations required for pregnancy, nutrition for pregnancy, lifestyle habits and mental health issues that may impact pregnancy or the health of the baby.
This article provides easy-to-understand answers to questions that couples typically have to understand the importance of planning prior to becoming pregnant. It also adds innovative concept of digital tracking of fertility, genetic carrier testing, telehealth counselling and individual planning of pregnancy, which are increasingly becoming a part of healthcare.
Marriage is a new journey that for many couples leads to parenthood. Wedding planning can last for months, but many couples do not know that they have to prepare for pregnancy as well.
Premarital counselling aims to help couples understand their health, lifestyle, family history and future reproductive plans before marriage or before planning a baby. Preconception counselling takes a step beyond that, helping both partners to get to a healthy preconception state.
Healthy parents are more likely to have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies. If diabetes and other conditions like thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, obesity, anaemia, infections and some medicines are not diagnosed early they can affect pregnancy. Other lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, exercise, and stress) may also affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Women are not the only ones who need preconception counselling. Men health also is important since there are a number of factors that can impact the quality of the sperm, lifestyle, chronic conditions, and some medications can all impact the health of the future baby and its fertility.
Premarital counselling is a type of therapy that helps couples take the next step in their relationship, resolve issues in their relationship before they commit to marriage, or set relationship goals.
The counselling is usually done by licensed marriage and family therapist or religious leaders who serve as counsellors. Many couples attend premarital counselling as a preventative measure, similar to going to your primary care provider for an annual checkup.
Couples attend premarital counselling to avoid any issues that may exist in their relationship. Premarital therapy can be an asset to help couples avoid marriage counselling down the road.
Preconception counselling is a medical consultation before pregnancy. A health care provider checks the health of both partners and offers suggestions for a healthy pregnancy during this visit.
In this they Review medical history, checking for current medicines they are taking for any disease, screening chronic diseases, giving suggestions for optimal weight, asking for ongoing folic acid supplements, Discussion about healthy lifestyle behaviours, Proper time for planning pregnancy.
Preconception counselling is beneficial not only for couples with concerns about their health but also for healthy couples as some health issues may not present symptoms.
It is best to prepare for pregnancy to minimize health risks for the mother and baby.
It includes:
In general, experts suggest booking a preconception appointment at least three months prior to attempting to conceive, and preferably three to six months ahead of time.
This time frame enables time to be: –
Where possible both partners should attend. The health of both individuals, not just the woman, is crucial to pregnancy.
In this counselling, health care professionals can explore: –
It is best to have several health problems controlled before conception, as they may impact the course of the pregnancy.
These includes: –
With good disease control prior to conception, there are fewer complications for baby and mother.
The mother and baby are protected from serious infections if they get vaccinated before becoming pregnant. Your health care provider might suggest a checkup to see if you are immune to:
Collect and record all the following information on the student’s certificate of attendance:
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider regarding your vaccination history.
Not all couples require the same tests. Investigations suggested will depend on your personal risk factors, medical history, family history, and age.
Typical tests include:
Yes. Your family history is most important for providing information regarding inherited health conditions and provide right guidance before conception.
Tell your healthcare provider if either partner has a family history of:
Absolutely. A healthy pregnancy depends on both partners. The father’s health can influence:
Men should also prepare before conception by:
Healthy lifestyle changes by both partners can improve the chances of conception.
Harmone levels and fertility in both parents affect by being underweight and overweight. An ideal BMI range is between 20-25 for obtaining optimal fertility.
Excess fat cells create an excess of the estrogen hormone that causes the body to mistake it for a birth control pill.
This can have a negative impact on the number of eggs that are produced or on the quality of the eggs. Women with a BMI greater than 27 have a triple risk of becoming infertile.
Additionally, obesity might impair the efficacy of fertility treatments such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), which involves a lower likelihood of embryo implantation.
If a woman is underweight (BMI < 18.5), the body is deprived of sufficient energy reserves, which may result in irregular or no menstruation at all.
Excess weight (High body fat) causes an increase in estrogen levels due to the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which decreases the number of sperm cells.
Too much fat around the groin can also raise the temperature of the testicles, which can affect the motility and structure of the sperm.
If one is very underweight, it can also be a problem of nutritional deficiency and negatively affect general function.
Healthcare is becoming more and more personalized and technology enabled. Some newer methods are:
There are smartphone apps that track menstrual cycles, ovulation patterns, symptoms and reminders for medication. They should be only used as supportive measures and not as a replacement for medical advice.
For a lot of couples, one initial consultation with a counsellor can be carried out safely via video, so that professional advice can be available to all—particularly those living out of the way.
DMRs can enhance continuity of care by allowing healthcare providers to view vaccination histories, chronic conditions, lab results and medication more efficiently.
Depending on the nutritional requirements, medical issues, and dietary preferences, dietitians and health care providers can create an individual nutrition plan according to the patient’s weight.
Activity tracking, sleep tracking, and heart rate tracking are all available with smartwatches and fitness trackers. Such devices can help promote positive behaviours, but are not a substitute for medical assessment.
Premarital and preconception counselling prepares the couple not only for a healthy pregnancy, but a healthy married life as well.
It is a time to screen and address medical conditions, catch up on vaccines, follow up on medications, optimize nutrition, develop healthy lifestyle choices, and discuss emotional, genetic and reproductive health prior to pregnancy.
Early counselling may be able to minimize unnecessary pregnancy complications, the outcomes of the mother and her baby, and the likelihood of a healthy baby.
Couples are urged to consult a professional before they try for a baby, but at least 3 months beforehand. Taking the time to counsel both parents and their potential child before or in advance of marriage is an investment in long-term health and wellness for both parents and child.
