Planning for Pregnancy: Early Consultation and Genetic Screening

Embarking on the Journey: The Importance of Pregnancy Planning

Pregnancy planning is more than just preparing for a new addition to the family; it’s about ensuring the best possible health outcomes for both mother and child. This important step allows expectant parents to create a solid foundation for the journey ahead, focusing on both physical and emotional well-being. By engaging with healthcare professionals early and discussing necessary screening tests, you pave the way for a healthier, more informed pregnancy experience.

Proper planning can help prevent complications, identify genetic risks early, and ensure both parents are physically and mentally prepared for the journey ahead. It’s a time to prepare your body, mind, and environment for the upcoming adventure, making thoughtful choices that contribute to a positive and healthy pregnancy.

In this post, we will explore why early consultation with your doctor is essential, what topics to discuss during your visit, and how genetic screening tests can play a crucial role in your pregnancy planning. Let’s begin this journey together, equipped with the knowledge and support needed to welcome your little one into a healthy, nurturing environment.

Why Early Consultation is Essential

Seeing a doctor as soon as you start thinking about having a baby can significantly affect your pregnancy journey. According to NSW Health ¹, visiting your GP 3-6 months before trying to conceive is highly recommended. Your doctor can provide personalised advice based on your health history, lifestyle, and family background.

In addition to personalised advice, your GP can conduct preconception health screenings to identify any underlying health conditions or risks that could affect your pregnancy. This may include tests for chronic illnesses like diabetes or thyroid disorders and evaluations of your reproductive health.

The Plan Before a GP Consultation: Pre-Pregnancy Checklist

Reviewing family health history
Reviewing regular health check-ups, such as your last dental check and Pap smear
Starting prenatal vitamins
Record your medical history and any medications you are currently taking, along with any medications you have taken in the past, including vitamins.

What to Discuss with Your Doctor

During your visit, it’s vital to discuss:

Health and Lifestyle

Talk about your current health status, diet, and exercise routine. Your doctor can guide you on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports pregnancy.

Alcohol: Limiting alcohol consumption is essential when planning for pregnancy. Alcohol can interfere with fertility and may harm a developing foetus, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive, consider reducing or eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle to support a healthy pregnancy journey.
Smoking: Smoking has significant adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy health. It can lead to complications such as reduced fertility, premature birth, and low birth weight. Quitting smoking is crucial for your health and the well-being of your future child. Your doctor can provide resources and support to help you quit smoking successfully.
Sexual Health: Maintaining good sexual health is vital when planning for pregnancy. Open communication with your partner about sexual health and family planning goals is essential for a successful pregnancy journey. Discuss with your GP to ensure your sexual health screening is up to date.
Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for preparing your body for pregnancy. Consuming foods high in iron, such as leafy greens and lean meats, and calcium-rich foods like dairy products can support your body’s needs during pregnancy.
Weight Management: Being above or below a healthy weight can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Managing a healthy weight is not just about physical health; it’s also about emotional well-being. Maintaining a balanced weight can boost self-confidence and reduce stress, creating a more positive pregnancy experience. Regular physical activity like walking, swimming, or yoga can support weight management and overall well-being.

Genetic Conditions

Discuss any known genetic conditions in your family. Your doctor may recommend genetic screening tests to assess the risk of passing these conditions on to your baby. This is especially important if you or your partner have a family history of genetic disorders.

Carrier Screening:

Your GP can offer genetic carrier screening for hidden genetic disorder risks. Reproductive carrier screening tests can identify carriers of genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and fragile X syndrome. These tests help determine whether you or your partner might carry genes that could affect your child’s health.

The Reproductive Carrier Screening Fact Sheet is attached for more information.

Vaccinations

Ensure that your vaccinations are up to date and that you are still immune. Some diseases can pose risks during pregnancy, so getting vaccinated beforehand is a proactive step in safeguarding your health and your baby’s. Important vaccinations like MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) may harm the development of a baby. Your doctor may order a blood test to check your immunity to some diseases.

Medications

Your doctor will review any medications you currently take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to ensure they are safe during pregnancy.

Cervical Screening and Breast Health

Discuss when your next cervical screen is due, and learn about breast self-examination during and after pregnancy.

Mental Health

Address any mental health concerns with your doctor. Mental well-being is just as important as physical health during pregnancy planning. If you have experienced mental health issues in the past or are currently taking medication, consult with your GP or mental health professional about your plans to conceive.

Self-Care Practices:

Consider incorporating self-care practices into your routine. Techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and a robust support system can be vital in maintaining mental well-being during pregnancy planning.

Dental Health

Pregnancy hormones and morning sickness can increase the risk of dental problems. A dental check-up before pregnancy can help address any issues beforehand.

Environmental Risks

Discuss potential health risks in your home or workplace, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or infections, and learn how to mitigate these risks. Consider strategies like improving ventilation at home, using protective equipment at work, and avoiding specific environmental hazards.

Genetic Screening Tests: What You Need to Know

Genetic screening tests are an essential consideration during pregnancy planning. These tests help identify potential genetic disorders that could be passed on to your baby ². By understanding the risks, you can make informed decisions about your pregnancy and prepare for any special care your baby may need.

Genetic screening tests can offer valuable insights into potential genetic disorders. While these tests can provide peace of mind, they may also lead to difficult decisions or emotional stress if the results indicate potential risks. Discuss these aspects with your healthcare provider to make informed choices.

Types of Genetic Screening Tests

Carrier Screening: This test determines whether you or your partner are carriers of certain genetic conditions. Being a carrier means you don’t have the disease but could pass it on to your child.
Pre-Pregnancy Screening: Conducted before conception, this test helps identify any genetic disorders that may be present in your family history.
Prenatal Screening: Once pregnant, prenatal screening tests, such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), can detect specific genetic abnormalities in the developing baby.
Additional Screening Tests: Other genetic screening options, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can provide more detailed information about potential genetic abnormalities in the developing baby.

Folic Acid and Iodine

Folic acid and iodine are essential for developing your baby’s brain and nervous system. Taking a daily supplement containing at least 500 micrograms (mcg) of folate and 150 mcg of iodine is recommended when planning pregnancy ³. Some people may require a higher dose of folic acid supplements. Talk to your GP about it.

Please remember the following information regarding natural sources of folate ⁴:

Folate, found in many foods, can be easily destroyed by cooking as it dissolves in water. It is recommended to cook vegetables or eat them raw lightly; microwave or steam cooking methods are preferable.

Good sources of natural folate include vegetables (such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, green beans, lettuce, mushrooms, parsnip, sweet corn, and zucchini), fruits (like avocado, grapefruit, oranges, berries, and bananas), legumes (such as chickpeas, soya beans, lima beans, red kidney beans, lentils, and haricot beans), eggs, nuts, and specific apple and orange juices.

In Australia, non-organic bread products are required to contain folic acid, which can also be found in some breakfast cereals. You can check the food label of any bread product made in Australia to confirm if the ingredients contain folic acid (sometimes listed as folate).

Besides folic acid and iodine, supplements like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in bone health and brain development, should be considered.

Final Thoughts

Planning for pregnancy is a journey that involves careful consideration and proactive steps. By consulting with your doctor early, you take an essential step towards a healthy and successful pregnancy. Your doctor will review your health, discuss immunisations, and talk about genetic screening tests. Remember, the key to a healthy pregnancy starts with informed planning and seeking support from trusted healthcare professionals.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your doctors. You can easily find a Qualitas Medical Practice near you on qualitashealth.com.au.

Reliable Resources for Pregnancy Planning

For additional information and support, consider exploring these reliable resources:

Australian Government’s Health Website
MotherSafe offers advice on medication and exposures during pregnancy. You can also contact their helpline at 1800 647 848 for personalised guidance.
NSW Health Pregnancy Information
Centre for Genetics Education: Provides resources on genetic screening and carrier testing.
Reproductive Carrier Screening Fact Sheet

References:

[1] NSW Health, thinking of having a baby, chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/Publications/thinking-of-having-a-baby.pdf

[2] NSW Government, Genetics Education, Reproductive Carrier Screening (RCS) Fact Sheet, chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.genetics.edu.au/PDF/Reproductive_carrier_screening-fact_sheet-CGE.pdf

[3] Planning for your pregnancy, HealthDirect, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/planning-for-your-pregnancy#:~:text=Taking%20folic%20acid%20daily%20before,folate%20and%20150mcg%20of%20iodine.

[4] Folate and pregnancy, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/folate-and-pregnancy