Contents
- Pre-pregnancy tests – thyroid tests
- Pre-pregnancy tests – mental health tests
- Pre-pregnancy tests – rubella immunity test
- Pre-pregnancy tests – genetic tests
- Testing before pregnancy – sexually transmitted diseases
- Pre-pregnancy tests – varicella zoster virus
- Pre-pregnancy tests – additional tests
- Examination before pregnancy – check-up at the dentist
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If you’re planning a pregnancy, be sure to do some important research. This way you can prepare for it properly. If you got pregnant before visiting your doctor, don’t worry, you can still get the necessary tests.
Pre-pregnancy tests – thyroid tests
The thyroid gland is an extremely important gland. It affects almost all metabolic functions of the body. Located on the neck, just below the jawline. It produces a hormone called thyroxine.
The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, reluctance to exercise, hair loss, dry skin, and constipation. Hypothyroidism is also associated with infertility and miscarriage. Therefore, you should check the level of TSH and thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) before a planned pregnancy. It is also worth checking the antibodies: TPO and TG.
- Learn more about thyroid testing
Pre-pregnancy tests – mental health tests
Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders can make it difficult to get pregnant. Constant mood swings can worsen symptoms and disrupt a normal menstrual cycle. To reduce the risk of mental health problems, you need to do your research.
A specialist can help you and your partner find ways to deal with stress. Then you will be better equipped to deal with emotional changes during and after pregnancy.
Also check out: What Happens at Week 21 of Pregnancy?
Pre-pregnancy tests – rubella immunity test
Rubella is caused by a virus which is passed between people by sneezing or coughing. Women who have had rubella or are vaccinated have antibodies in their blood to prevent the disease. They also protect the baby from the virus.
All ladies planning a pregnancy should have a rubella immunity test.
If they don’t have enough antibodies and are not currently pregnant, they can get vaccinated. They should then wait at least 28 days before trying to become pregnant.
- Find out more about rubella
Pre-pregnancy tests – genetic tests
They are carried out at potential parents or waiting for a child. They check genes for various abnormalities. Most genetic diseases are also known as “recessive disorders”. This means that both the father and mother can pass on the defective gene to their child.
If it turns out that you are both carriers, then you can prepare yourself accordingly. Also, ask your doctor about prenatal tests to see if your baby is healthy.
- Also read: Why is it worth doing genetic testing?
Testing before pregnancy – sexually transmitted diseases
Check when you had the last cervical smear test. If long ago, be sure to make an appointment. It is usually not carried out in pregnant women. This is because pregnancy can cause changes in the cervix, making the results difficult to interpret.
Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can increase the risk of infertility or premature birth.
Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis are also recommended. They can be treated effectively to virtually eliminate the risk of transmission to the baby. Such tests should be carried out at both you and your partner.
Pre-pregnancy tests – varicella zoster virus
It causes chickenpox and shingles. If you haven’t had any of them before, you should get vaccinated. Such a virus can cause birth defects or diseases in a child (depending on what week the infection occurs).
- Read more about chicken pox and shingles
Pre-pregnancy tests – additional tests
Make an appointment for screening for any gynecological conditions that may reduce fertility. These are mainly irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, cysts, benign tumors, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
What studies should be kept in mind?
- Blood test to check the level of hemoglobin.
- Blood test for glycemic level.
- Blood group and Rh factor.
- Testing for the hepatitis B virus (especially if you are at risk, for example, you work in the health service).
- Cytomegalovirus testing (to determine if you are immune to CMV).
- Testing for toxoplasmosis (especially if you have a cat, eat raw meat regularly, or garden without wearing gloves).
Women with special health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension), should receive specialist care. For example, mail-order genetic tests for cardiovascular diseases available at Medonet Market are aimed at future mothers.
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your doctor will most likely ask you to test your sugar curve at least 3-4 months before a planned pregnancy. This is because the birth defects associated with diabetes occur early in pregnancy. When doing such a test, you have enough time to prepare yourself properly. By controlling your sugar levels, you will reduce the risk of birth defects and miscarriage.
Examination before pregnancy – check-up at the dentist
A thorough dental examination is also important. By eliminating the risk of bacteria in the gums, you can be sure they won’t be passed on to your baby through the amniotic fluid. It’s also worth remembering that a simple dental problem can worsen significantly during pregnancy. During this period, your immunity is lower.
Research has shown that gum disease increases the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight.
Read also: Every fourth pregnant woman has mental health problems
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