Pre-conception counselling is a health consultation for couples trying for pregnancies. It focuses on evaluating a woman’s and man’s overall health, identifying risk factors, optimizing nutrition, reviewing medications, screening for conditions, and guiding lifestyle changes that support a healthy pregnancy.
It aids couples in preparing themselves physically and mentally, decreases the preventable risk factors, and increases the probability of a healthy conception and pregnancy. Preconception councelling is suggested for couples with health ailments, Pré-pregnancy complications, or style related issues
Preconception counselling is only for couples with infertility.
Myth: Preconception counselling is only for couples with infertility.
Fact: It is recommended for all couples planning pregnancy, even healthy couples, to optimize outcomes.
Only women need pre-conception counselling.
Myth: Only women need pre-conception counselling.
Fact: Men also need pre-conception councelling. As conception is influenced by factors like sperm quality, lifestyle habits, and medical issues.
Pre-conception care is only about taking folic acid.
Myth: Pre-conception care is only about taking folic acid.
Fact: It also includes screening, vaccination review, lifestyle planning, weight management, mental health guidance, and medication.
Age doesn’t matter if cycles are regular.
Myth: Age doesn’t matter if cycles are regular.
Fact: Fertility declines after 30 in women and after 40 in men. Age matters even with regular cycles.
Pre-conception counselling is unnecessary for second pregnancies.
Myth: Pre-conception counselling is unnecessary for second pregnancies.
Fact: New medical issues, weight changes, or complications from previous pregnancies make counselling equally important even for a second pregnancy.
A routine health check-up is enough.
Myth: A routine health check-up is enough.
Fact: Pre-conception counselling is specialized, focusing on reproductive health, past obstetric history, genetics, and pregnancy-specific risks.
Vaccines are not needed before pregnancy.
Myth: Vaccines are not needed before pregnancy.
Fact: Vaccination against rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, and influenza improves maternal and fetal safety.,
Couples must start trying immediately after counselling.
Myth: Couples must start trying immediately after counselling.
Fact: Counselling aids couples in being prepared in making informed decisions; timing is their choice.
Lifestyle do not affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
Myth: Lifestyle do not affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
Fact: Fertility & pregnancy health are significantly affected by lifestyle factors like weight, diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, and stress.
