Preconception health and care are essential components of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It refers to the health of both partners before they conceive a child, including physical, emotional and mental health, plus lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise and environmental exposure. Preconception health counselling is a valuable opportunity to discuss these factors with a healthcare provider.
Reducing the Risk of Congenital Disabilities
A healthy preconception period can reduce the risk of congenital disabilities in the developing foetus. This is because the baby’s organs and systems are formed during the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before the mother knows she is pregnant. By caring for their health before conception, parents can ensure that the baby is not exposed to harmful substances or conditions that can cause congenital disabilities.
Furthermore, understanding your genetic health plays a crucial role in assessing the risk of certain inherited conditions. Screening can identify if either partner carries genes for specific disorders, allowing you to make informed decisions about family planning.
Improving Fertility
Preconception health and care can improve fertility in both partners. For women, this can mean optimising menstrual cycles and ovulation, while for men, it can mean improving sperm count and quality. Doing so can increase the chances of conception and reduce the need for fertility treatments.
Considering your family history of fertility issues can also be beneficial during this stage. Open communication with your healthcare provider can help identify potential challenges early on.
Reducing the Risk of Pregnancy Complications
A healthy preconception period can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and premature birth. The mother’s body will be better prepared for the demands of pregnancy and is less likely to experience difficulties.
Similarly, understanding potential genetic predispositions to certain pregnancy complications can allow for proactive management and monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
In addition, good health and care during this period significantly reduce the risk of maternal and infant mortality, which is particularly important in developing countries where these rates are high.
Promoting Healthy Habits
Preconception health and care can promote healthy habits that can have a lasting impact on the family’s health. For example, stopping smoking or reducing alcohol consumption before conception reduces the risk of pregnancy complications and promotes a healthy lifestyle for the whole family going forward.
This also extends to nutritional habits. A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals before conception can positively influence both fertility and the baby’s development. Consuming foods naturally high in folate, such as leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, and oranges, is beneficial.
However, it can be challenging to obtain sufficient amounts through diet alone, so folic acid supplementation remains particularly important before and during early pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects.
Improving Mental Health
Taking care of mental health can mean reducing stress and anxiety levels, improving mood, and reducing the risk of depression. This will have a positive impact on the overall well-being of the entire family.
When considering family planning, it is also essential to discuss your mental health history with your healthcare provider, as certain conditions or medications can impact pregnancy and vice versa. Open communication ensures you receive the appropriate support.
Genetic Issues
Integrating genetic health into preconception care provides an additional layer of understanding and empowerment for couples planning a family. Genetic screening can help identify carriers of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia.
Knowing this information allows you to explore your options, which may include preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) if you are considering IVF or simply being prepared for the possibility of having a child with a specific condition.
Family planning encompasses various aspects, including the timing of pregnancy and the number of children desired. Discussing these goals during your preconception consultation allows us to provide tailored advice on contraception if you are not yet ready to conceive or guidance on optimising your chances of conception when you are. We will also discuss the impact of maternal age and paternal age on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Contact us today, your trusted specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists in Durban, to learn more about the importance of preconception health counselling. We will discuss both parents’ health and care, including genetic health and informed family planning.