Pregnancy is one of the most important decisions in the life of every woman and family. If you plan to get pregnant in the near future, pre-pregnancy consultation in Mashhad is considered a necessary step to ensure the health of the mother and fetus. Many pregnancy problems, from anemia and thyroid disorders to genetic diseases, can be prevented with a careful consultation and check-up.
In this article, as Dr. Khadgaran, I have tried to explain all the necessary points before trying to get pregnant in simple and completely scientific language, so that you can follow the path of a healthy pregnancy with full knowledge. Start the concern.

What is pre-pregnancy counseling and why is it important?

Pre-pregnancy consultation includes a series of examinations that help the doctor evaluate the health status of men and women and reduce the possibility of problems.
This consultation can:

• Ensure the mother's health before pregnancy

• prevent many pregnancy complications

• Increases the probability of a healthy pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby

• Identify hidden genetic or hormonal risks

• Determine the best time to get pregnant

If you are in Mashhad, visiting specialized clinics and using the experience of gynecologists plays a very important role in improving pregnancy outcomes.

Who should receive prenatal counseling?

Pre-pregnancy counseling is essential for all women; But it is more vital for the following groups:

• Women over 35

• People with a history of abortion, premature birth or infertility

• Women with thyroid diseases, diabetes, blood pressure

• people with a history of genetic diseases in the family

• Women who use certain drugs

• people who have an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, inactivity)

steps of pre-pregnancy consultation in Mashhad

1. Examination of medical and family history

At this stage, the doctor examines the following:

• History of genetic diseases

• history of miscarriage or infertility

• Drug use history

• Menstrual periods

• Any gynecological or obstetric surgery

This step is the foundation of a smart prenatal care.

2. Essential tests before pregnancy

In pre-pregnancy counseling, some tests are required. The most important of them are:

Blood tests:

• CBC (check for anemia)

• Fasting blood sugar

• Thyroid tests (TSH, T4)

• Blood group and Rh

• Infectious tests (HIV, HBsAg, HCV, Rubella)

• Vitamin D test

• iron and ferritin test

Genetic tests (if needed):

If there is a genetic history in the family, genetic testing of couples before pregnancy is recommended.

3. Examination of fertility and hormonal status

According to individual conditions, the doctor examines the following:

• ovarian health

• The level of fertility hormones

• Menstrual cycle status

• Existence of ovarian laziness

• Sperm health in spouse

4. Vaccines before pregnancy

Three important vaccines that should be checked before pregnancy:

• measles vaccine

• Tetanus vaccine

• Flu vaccine

If immunity to rubella is not clear in tests, the vaccine should be injected at least one month before pregnancy.

5. Changing lifestyle before pregnancy

For a healthy pregnancy, doctors recommend:

• start taking folic acid at least 3 months before pregnancy

• Quit smoking and alcohol

• Weight loss in case of high BMI

• increasing physical activity

• Controlling stress and improving sleep quality

• Use of healthy nutrition and antioxidant substances

Pre-pregnancy consultation in Mashhad for women with special conditions

Women with diabetes

Before pregnancy, blood sugar should be completely controlled. High sugar can cause fetal abnormalities.
Goal: HbA1c less than 6.5%

Women with thyroid

The TSH level should be completely regulated.
The ideal TSH before pregnancy: Between 1 and 2.5

Women with a history of abortion

Additional tests such as:

• Coagulation tests

• progesterone hormone test

• Uterus examination with ultrasound or hysteroscopy

Advantages of pre-pregnancy counseling in Mashhad

• Access to specialized clinics

• Possibility of performing full and fast tests

• Existence of valid genetic centers

• Access to specialist doctors

• Possibility of follow-up and regular care until pregnancy

Preconception Counseling Benefits

Pre-pregnancy counseling is one of the most important measures that every woman should take before starting the journey of becoming a mother. This simple advice can prevent many problems during pregnancy and increase the probability of a healthy and safe pregnancy. The most important benefits of pre-pregnancy counseling are:

1. Prevention of pregnancy complications

During the consultation sessions, the health status of the mother is checked and risk factors such as diabetes, blood pressure, anemia or thyroid problems are identified. The treatment of these problems before pregnancy can be from:

• Preeclampsia

• premature birth

• Insufficient fetal growth

• Gestational diabetes

Prevent.

2. Increasing the chance of a healthy and successful pregnancy

By modifying lifestyle, checking hormones and regulating weight, the chances of fertility are greatly increased.
Counseling can:

• regulate the menstrual cycle

• Improve ovulation

• check the health of the spouse's sperm

As a result, the probability of a successful pregnancy increases.

3. Identification and management of hidden diseases

Many diseases are asymptomatic and can only be detected by testing. In pre-pregnancy counseling, the doctor will discuss problems such as:

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Iron deficiency

• Thyroid problems

• hidden infections

• coagulation problems

Identifies and treats before pregnancy.

4. Reducing the possibility of genetic and congenital abnormalities

If there is a history of genetic diseases in the family, the doctor requests genetic tests of couples or additional screenings.
This step can prevent the birth of a baby with genetic problems.

5. Determining the best time for pregnancy

In the consultation, the doctor according to:

• Mother's age

• ovarian storage

• Menstrual cycle

• State of reproductive organs

It determines the best time of pregnancy.

6. Lifestyle modification for a healthy pregnancy

The doctor provides a plan for a healthy lifestyle, including:

• The start of folic acid consumption

• proper nutrition before pregnancy

• Quit smoking and alcohol

• Weight Control

• increasing physical activity

• Stress Management

These items reduce the risk of fetal abnormalities and pregnancy complications.

7. Improving maternal mental health

Stress, anxiety and fear of pregnancy are very common.
In counseling, the doctor helps the mother:

• Be more mentally prepared

• Control the fear of pregnancy and childbirth

• have more detailed planning for the future

Mental health plays an important role in a healthy pregnancy.

8. Examining medicines and their regulation

Some drugs can be dangerous for the fetus. The doctor checks the medicines and if needed:

• Set dose

• Substitute medicine

• or stop using it

This work is one of the most important measures to prevent fetal injuries.

9. Reducing medical costs in the future

By identifying problems in the early stages, the heavy costs of pregnancy treatments, hospitalization and newborn problems are avoided.

10. Increasing the peace and confidence of parents

When the mother and father are sure of their health status, they enter pregnancy with more peace and confidence.

FAQs about pre-pregnancy counseling in Mashhad

1. When is the best time to start prenatal counseling?

3 to 6 months before trying to get pregnant.

2. Should the wife also participate in counseling?

Yes. Men's health also plays an essential role in fertility and fetal health.

3. Is it necessary to take folic acid before pregnancy?

Yes. 400 micrograms of folic acid should be taken 3 months ago.

4. How much is the cost of pre-pregnancy counseling in Mashhad?

The cost varies depending on the type of tests and treatment center, but it usually includes a full checkup and specialist visit.

5. Can you get pregnant with thyroid disease?

Yes, with careful control of hormones and treatment adjustment.