Preconception Counselling
The journey to a healthy and happy pregnancy can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Preconception counselling aims to evaluate any possible risks and complications that may arise along with factors that will affect your pregnancy.
A preconception appointment will consist of a series of test done to check your overall health. These tests include:
- A Pap Test: To test for cervical cancer.
- Gynaecological Screening: Allows screening for conditions that may interfere with the pregnancy, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Urine Test: Allows screening for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and kidney disease.
- Blood Test: Check for nutritional deficiencies, anaemia, infections, and heart conditions.
- Blood Pressure Reading: Check for other health conditions.
- Pelvic, breast and abdominal exam
Apart from the physical exam, there will also be a discussion on the following:
- Family History: Insight on both partners’ genetic history can help with knowing which health conditions and genetic disorders could potentially get passed on to your child.
- Medical History: Knowledge about prior hospitalisations and procedures, along with pre-existing medical conditions, allergies and the medication you’re on is essential in assessing your overall health before pregnancy.
- Gynaecological History: Infections and STDs can compromise a woman’s ability to conceive or carry out a pregnancy, so Dr Zulu needs to know your gynaecological history.
Depending on the results of the tests and discussion of your medical history, Dr Zulu will make recommendations on certain lifestyle and health changes to ensure that you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.