Family Planning / Preconception Testing

Before a woman starts thinking about baby names or colors for the nursery she needs to consider one very important factor - her health. The state of a woman's overall health before she becomes pregnant can have a significant impact on the health of her baby. In fact, the health of her partner can also affect fertility and baby's health.

A visit with a health care provider can address any health concerns. Ideally, a couple should start to plan for pregnancy four months prior to conception. "The goal of preconception care is to optimize a woman's health and improve her ability to give birth to a healthy baby," explains certified nurse-midwife Jeanne Westcott, C.N.M. of Bassett Healthcare. "The benefits lie in the ability to identify possible illness, environmental hazards, potential genetic defects and health behaviors which might have a negative impact on a pregnancy."

The following are questions a woman and her partner might discuss with their health care provider.

Medical history: Does the woman have a history of any chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure. A visit with a health care provider can identify and in some cases correct health problems. She should also find out if her immunizations are up to date. Contagious diseases such as chicken pox and German measles can be dangerous to an unborn child.

Diet: Is the woman at a healthy weight? Pregnancy is not the time to adopt a calorie restricted diet. A balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups helps supply the essential nutrients crucial to fetal development. A supplement formulated for pregnancy that includes folic acid may be recommended to help prevent neural tube defects, a serious birth defect.

Emotional support: What kind of relationships does a woman have with her partner, family and friends? Is she in a kind and supportive environment? Financial difficulties, instability in relationships and other circumstances can create an overly stressful and unhealthy environment for a woman. It is important to create a safe, stable and loving home for raising a child.

Work environment: Is the woman or her partner exposed to any workplace hazards? Reproductive health can be compromised by toxic chemicals and other compounds used in certain industries. Health care workers and women who work with children or animals may risk exposure to viruses and other disease causing organisms. Radiation from X-rays should also be avoided.

Lifestyle: What are the personal habits of both partners? Westcott points out that "There is an increasing body of research which links smoking and second-hand smoke to health problems in babies and children. This research also suggests smoking may lower a man's sperm count. Women are also urged not to use recreational drugs or alcohol during pregnancy."

Genetics: Does the woman, her partner or any of their close relatives have any genetic diseases or birth defects? "Current research into the makeup of genes has opened new possibilities for the detection and treatment of genetic disorders," says Westcott. If there is any question about the potential for genetic defects, the couple may be asked to see a genetic counselor.

These are only a few possible areas to consider in planning ahead for a healthy baby. For more information, call Bassett Healthcare at 1-800-BASSETT (1-800-227-7388).