Planning for a baby is one of life’s most beautiful and exciting chapters. For modern couples, especially proactive “Progressive Planners”, this tayyari (preparation) goes beyond just emotional readiness. You plan your finances, your careers, and your home; it only makes sense to plan your health, too.
This is where pre-conception counselling comes in – it is the essential first step on your journey to parenthood.
But what does it actually involve? Many people think it’s just a quick chat, but it’s so much more. At Borneo Hospitals, we see pre-conception counselling as a comprehensive partnership between you, your partner, and your gynaecologist. It’s about creating a roadmap for the healthiest possible pregnancy.
To clear up the confusion and show you the immense value of this service, our expert gynaecologist, Dr. Vrushali Pillai, answers the five key questions couples ask about pre-conception counselling.
1. What Exactly Is Pre-Conception Counselling and Who Is It For?
Simply put, pre-conception counselling is a medical checkup and consultation that happens before you start trying to get pregnant.Its main goal is to identify and manage any potential health risks that could affect your ability to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.
Beyond a Simple Doctor's Visit
Unlike a routine checkup, this is a highly focused consultation. It’s an opportunity to get personalised advice on everything from diet and lifestyle to genetics and managing existing health conditions. It’s a key part of your pregnancy journey that starts even before the journey begins.
It's a Team Effort: For Both Partners
- This isn’t just for the woman. A man’s health is equally important for a successful pregnancy. We always recommend that couples attend their pre-conception counselling sessions together.
A pre-conception checkup for couples allows us to assess both partners’ health and provide advice that you can implement as a team.
2. What Happens During a Pre-Conception Checkup?
The appointment is a thorough, 360-degree look at your health. Our goal is to gather all the right information to guide you best. Here’s what you can expect:
Your Medical and Family History Review
Your doctor for pregnancy will have a detailed discussion with you about your personal medical history (any surgeries, allergies, etc.), your family’s health history (to check for hereditary conditions), and your menstrual and reproductive history.
The Health MOT: Essential Tests and Screenings
A series of simple tests provides a baseline of your health. This includes:
- Blood Tests: To check your blood type, Rh factor, iron levels (for anaemia), and screen for conditions like thalassemia and infections such as Hepatitis B and HIV.
- Immunity Check: We check your immunity to diseases like Rubella (German measles), which can be very harmful if contracted during pregnancy.
- Chronic Disease Screening: We’ll check your blood sugar, thyroid levels, and blood pressure.
- Pap Smear Test: If you are due, a Pap smear is done to screen for cervical abnormalities.
Discussing Your Lifestyle (Jeevanashailee)
Your gynaecologist will chat with you about your diet, exercise habits, work life, stress levels, and any habits like smoking or drinking. This conversation is bilkul (absolutely) confidential and helps the doctor give you practical lifestyle changes to boost your fertility.
3. How Does It Help in Ensuring a Healthy Pregnancy?
This is the most important sawal (question). The benefits of pre-conception counselling are immense and directly contribute to the health of both mother and baby.
The Power of Folic Acid: Preventing Birth Defects
This is perhaps the single most important outcome. Your doctor will prescribe folic acid supplements, which are proven to drastically reduce the risk of major birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. This is a critical part of pre-conception counselling.
Managing Chronic Conditions
If you have a condition like diabetes, thyroid issues, or PCOS, getting it under control before you conceive is vital. Proper management reduces risks for both you and your baby during pregnancy.
Identifying Risks for a High-Risk Pregnancy Early
Through your health assessment, your doctor can identify potential factors that might lead to a
high-risk pregnancy. This allows for a proactive plan to be put in place from day one, ensuring you get the specialised care you need. This is how we prepare for a normal delivery safely.
4. What Questions Should We Ask Our Gynaecologist?
Your consultation is a two-way street. We encourage you to come prepared with your questions. This shows you are engaged in your pre-conception counselling journey.
A Checklist for Your Consultation
- Based on our family history, should we consider genetic counselling before pregnancy?
- What specific changes should I make to my pregnancy diet?
- What type of exercise is safe for me while trying to conceive?
- How do my current medications affect my chances of getting pregnant?
- When should we start tracking ovulation?
5. When Is the Best Time to Start Pre-Conception Counselling?
To get the full benefits, you need to give yourself time to act on the advice your doctor gives you.
The Ideal Timeline: 3-6 Months Before You Start Trying to Conceive
We recommend scheduling your pre-conception counselling appointment at least three to six months before you plan to stop using contraception. This gives you enough time to make dietary changes, get your health conditions under control, complete any necessary vaccination courses, and reach a healthy weight.
Your First Step to a Confident Pregnancy Journey
Think of pre-conception counselling as building a strong, safe house before a baby comes to live in it. It is the ultimate act of planning, giving you peace of mind and empowering you with the knowledge to give your child the healthiest possible start in life. It transforms the daunting process of getting pregnant into a confident and well-managed journey.
Consult Our Experts
Are you ready to take the first, most important step towards parenthood? For a comprehensive and compassionate pre-conception counselling session, we encourage you to consult with the expert doctors at Borneo Hospitals.
You can visit your nearest Borneo Hospital branch in Thane, Nashik, Waluj, or Raipur.
If it’s easier for you, you can also call our helpline for advice. We invite you to make an appointment with our esteemed Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Vrushali Pillai (MBBS, DGO). She will partner with you to create a personalised roadmap for your beautiful journey ahead.
Further Reading & Authoritative Sources
- World Health Organisation (WHO): Preconception care: maximising the gains for maternal and child health
- FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India): Good Clinical Practice Recommendations on Preconception Care
- U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Planning for Pregnancy
- The Lancet (Research Paper): Before the beginning: nutrition and lifestyle in the preconception period and its importance for future health
