If you have not previously had these tests, a hematocrit to check for anemia, a rubella titer to check for immunity to rubella, and other blood tests can be performed. A thorough family history and blood tests for genetic diseases (Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, etc.) may be indicated.
Prior To Conception
Before planning to have a baby, visit your doctor to check for risk factors that may cause complications with our pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins should be taken before you start trying to get pregnant so that your body is ready to support another life. Some medical and dental procedures cannot be done while pregnant so you can discuss with your doctor what steps need to be taken to address those issues before becoming pregnant.
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Dr. John C. Lipman, MD , Gynecology, answeredIt would be very unlikely. Increasing age (over 35) decreases fertility, and it is markedly diminished at age 50. Fibroids also can hinder a woman's fertility, and there may even be a negative impact on fertility from Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) similar to that seen with women that undergo surgery (myomectomy). There have been numerous pregnancies reported after Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) but further studies are needed. -
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 4 Answers- Update your immunizations, particularly chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza (seasonally)
- Discuss preconceptual genetic testing, especially if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish or Mediterranean ancestry
- Review your personal and family history of diseases, especially diabetes, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, kidney disease, epilepsy, thyroid disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), thalassemia, iron-deficiency anemia, and sickle-cell anemia
- Review your reproductive history, including fertility issues, multiple miscarriages, abnormally shaped uterus, endometriosis, sexually transmitted diseases, tubal problems, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Have a blood test to determine your blood type and screen for toxoplasmosis, syphilis, HIV, and Group B Strep
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Dr. Deborah Bowers, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Reston Hospital CenterSee All 4 AnswersDeborah Bowers, MD from Reston Hospital Center offers her advice on getting pregnant and preparing for pregnancy in this video.
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Dr. Robert W. Chalmers, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Intermountain HealthcareSee All 5 AnswersPatients will often ask me, "What should I do when I'm trying to get pregnant, when I'm trying to start a family?" "How do I maximize my chances of conceiving?" I usually recommend to them that they take a multivitamin that contains folic acid. That helps give them all the nutrients that they need in order to be healthy and also to help support a developing baby.
I also recommend that the patients keep a calendar of their menstrual cycle, so if they do have trouble conceiving, we can take a look at that calendar and figure out where the problems may be occurring.
I usually also recommend that if patients have other medical conditions, they make sure that those are under control. So if they have diabetes, they should see their primary-care manager and make sure that is well controlled.
The other issue that comes up frequently with fertility is related to weight. There is definitely an ideal weight for women when it comes to conceiving. If they're underweight, oftentimes their menstrual cycles will cease -- they're usually not fertile during that time. If they're overweight, similar things can occur with irregular menstrual cycles and inability to conceive. Often, all that many women need is appropriate counseling about nutrition and exercise therapy in order to help them start their family. -
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Dr. Deborah Bowers, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Reston Hospital CenterSee All 2 AnswersIn this video, Deborah Bowers, MD from Reston Hospital Center describes the role stress plays in conceiving a baby.
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Patricia Geraghty, NP , Women's Health, answeredPrenatal Screening tests look at both the baby's and the mother's health. Tests that screen for genetic disorders with the baby include sequential maternal serum screening, sometimes called triple-marker or quad-marker. These are done in the early second trimester then repeated later in the second trimester to increase accuracy. Another screening test for the baby is the newer non-invasive cell-free DNA testing done on the mother's blood anytime after 10 weeks of gestation. The baby is also screened for anatomic malformations with ultrasound between 18-20 weeks gestation.
Screening tests for mother's health, that can affect the health of the baby, include a loading dose of glucose to test for diabetes, done in the second trimester, and a culture for group B strep bacteria done around week 36. -
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Dr. Dawn Marcus , Neurology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe harmful effects of most medications on the developing baby are greatest at the beginning of pregnancy -- often before you even realize you are pregnant. Therefore, it's best to start taking the treatments that are known to be safer during pregnancy for several months before trying to conceive. This time allows your body a chance to rid itself of any potentially harmful medications before you become pregnant. It also gives you a chance to make sure the new treatment will control your headaches. Ideally, you will have been stable on a successful, safe headache regimen for several months before becoming pregnant. -
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March of Dimes answeredA preconception checkup is a medical checkup you get before pregnancy. It helps your healthcare provider make sure that your body is ready for pregnancy. You can get a preconception checkup any time -- even up to a year before you want to get pregnant. If you can, meet with the healthcare provider you want to take care of you when you do get pregnant. Learn more at: marchofdimes.org -
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March of Dimes answeredBirth spacing is the period of time between giving birth and getting pregnant again. It's also called pregnancy spacing or interpregnancy interval (also called IPI). It's best to wait at least 18 months (1½ years) between giving birth and getting pregnant again. Too little time between pregnancies increases your risk of premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy). The shorter the time between pregnancies, the higher your risk. Learn more at: marchofdimes.org/birthspacing