Preconception Medical Examination: Caring for Your Future Baby
The first and most crucial step in preparing for pregnancy is undergoing a comprehensive medical examination for both the prospective mother and father. This stage plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health of both parents and the future child.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects between 48 million to 186 million people worldwide. Preconception medical examinations help prospective parents identify health issues and initiate treatment in a timely manner. It's important to remember that even seemingly harmless herbal remedies can be incompatible with pregnancy. Therefore, all medications should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
The expectant mother should undergo a gynecological examination, while the expectant father should visit a urologist. Regular visits to the doctor help identify and address any health issues that may affect conception and pregnancy.
According to the WHO, female infertility is often caused by pathologies of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and endocrine system. Therefore, it's important for women to visit a gynecologist before planning a pregnancy. In men, infertility is most commonly associated with problems with ejaculation, absence of sperm, insufficient sperm count, as well as abnormal sperm morphology and motility.
Expectant mothers are recommended to undergo a breast examination by a mammologist and have an ultrasound of the mammary glands. The breasts are hormone-dependent organs that undergo significant changes. If a woman has mastopathy or tumor formations in her breasts, it's better to know about them before planning pregnancy to initiate necessary treatment in a timely manner.
In conclusion, a preconception medical examination is a crucial step that helps ensure the health of prospective parents and the successful development of their future baby. Remember the significance of this step and don't postpone it - caring for your family's health starts here and now.
Reference:
https://www.babycenter.com/getting-pregnant/preparing-for-pregnancy/preconception-checkup-why-you-need-one-and-what-to-expect_730