The prospect of parenthood is exciting, and whether you’re actively trying to conceive or are considering pregnancy in the near future, it’s important to do a little bit of housekeeping -the pre-pregnancy type of housekeeping. Usually, this means making sure that you’re on prenatal supplements, avoiding alcohol, and staying healthy. But it also means seeing your OBGYN for a preconception health check.
Preconception health checks often get overlooked but are essential for ensuring your well-being and that of your baby.
What a Preconception Health Check Is and Why It’s Important
Preconception health checks are medical assessments that take place before you become pregnant. The checks evaluate your overall health and identify potential issues affecting your pregnancy or your baby’s well-being. Remember, these checkups are not just for women; partners should also consider their health!
Preconception checks look at your overall health and well-being by doing the following:
- Identifying potential risks
They help identify and address any underlying health issues that could complicate pregnancy or harm your baby. - Optimizing health
They provide an opportunity to optimize your health, including addressing lifestyle factors like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. - Personalized advice
Your OBGYN will give you personalized guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other factors to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. While the internet is useful for general pre-pregnancy tips, nothing beats personalized advice from a medical professional who knows and understands your unique medical history.
