Tests before planning a pregnancy

What tests should be taken before planning a pregnancy? All married couples preparing to conceive a child face this question. For each couple, the list of necessary tests is selected individually, based on a general examination.

In order for the baby to be born healthy, both the woman and the man must undergo a full examination and be healthy before conception. It is important to detect gynecological diseases or other chronic systemic diseases in the expectant mother in time. After all, it is the woman who will bear the child and now she will be responsible not only for herself, but also for the new emerging life.

An extended list of tests is prescribed only in cases where the future parents have some systemic, genetic diseases, injuries, or pregnancy does not occur for more than a year. Before planning a pregnancy, a woman must undergo the following standard tests:

• vaginal smear for flora;
• general, biochemical blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• scraping from the cervix for PCR testing;
• scraping cytology;
• thyroid hormones;
• Ultrasound of the mammary and thyroid glands, pelvic organs to exclude the presence of pathology.

This will help to see the overall physiological picture and determine the readiness of the woman’s body for conception and pregnancy.

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What tests should be taken when planning a pregnancy?

What tests should be taken when planning a pregnancy? More than one couple has faced this question. Basically, two types of tests are prescribed - an infection test and, if necessary, additional tests.

Infection tests are prescribed to determine the presence of antibodies to the most common viruses and infections. These are some of the main tests prescribed to women. These are tests for:

• The presence of antibodies to toxoplasmosis, herpes virus, rubella, cytomegalovirus, human papillomavirus;
• Antibodies to HIV, syphilis, gonococcus, mycoplasma, gardnerella;
• Antibodies to E. coli, staphylococcus;
• Blood clotting test.

If any disease suddenly appears as a result of the examination, then both the woman and the man need to undergo appropriate treatment, and only after a repeated test and a negative result, start planning. Sexually transmitted infections are very contagious and during pregnancy and childbirth can harm the child and even cause developmental abnormalities. Rubella, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus are especially dangerous - these infections can provoke fetal malformations and lead to death.

Additional tests are prescribed if there is a history of irregular menstrual cycle, problems with conception, abortions or miscarriages. A series of tests and studies are carried out - for the patency of the fallopian tubes, sex hormones, and the state of the endocrine system.

Mandatory tests when planning pregnancy

What mandatory tests partners need to take when planning a pregnancy can be clarified at a family planning center or with a gynecologist. Mandatory tests include a clinical blood test, a biochemical blood test, a general urine test, blood for a hormonal mirror, and an ultrasound of the pelvis.

Based on the results of all the necessary tests, doctors will be able to make sure that both partners are healthy and the woman's body is ready for pregnancy and gestation. The presence of any latent or obvious infection is dangerous for the fetus, as it can cause malformations and intrauterine death, and treating a woman with antibiotics during pregnancy is very risky.

Mandatory tests when planning pregnancy, included in the general complex:

• Analysis for hepatitis B and C.
• HIV analysis.
• Test for syphilis.
• Smear for microflora.
• PCR for latent infections.
• Colposcopy.

It is important for expectant mothers to take a test to detect antibodies to rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus. If antibodies are not found in the blood, then vaccination should be carried out at least three months before conception.

Additional tests are prescribed if it is necessary to determine genetic compatibility or to make a prognosis for possible genetic abnormalities that can be inherited.

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Tests for women planning pregnancy

Tests for women planning pregnancy are taken in several stages and affect all body systems.

The first thing to do is to assess the general condition of the woman's body. To do this, the expectant mother should visit the following specialists:

• Gynecologist - a consultation with a gynecologist is very important, this is a specialized doctor who will monitor the entire pregnancy.
• Dentist - timely examination of the oral cavity and treatment of diseased teeth will eliminate the risk of dangerous infection.
• Otolaryngologist. ENT diseases are also dangerous and even in chronic form will be a constant source of infection.
• Cardiologist. Additional load on a woman's cardiovascular system during pregnancy and childbirth can be harmful if there are diseases or pathologies in this area.
• Allergist.

All diseases that doctors identify must be cured strictly before conception.

Tests for women planning pregnancy that must be taken when planning conception:

• blood test for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, HIV, antibodies to herpes and cytomegalovirus infection, rubella, toxoplasmosis;
• vaginal smear to determine flora;
• Ultrasound of the mammary glands and pelvic organs;
• PCR testing of a scraping taken from the cervix for the presence of pathogens causing herpes, cytomegalovirus, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, and ureaplasmosis;
• Thyroid ultrasound;
• general urine analysis;
• general and biochemical blood analysis;
• cervical scraping cytology;
• blood clotting test;
• study of the level of thyroid hormones TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland, which regulates the function of the thyroid gland), T3 (thyroxine), T4 (triiodothyronine).

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Tests for a man when planning a pregnancy

A man also needs to take tests when planning a pregnancy, but not in all cases.

1. Genetic consultation. A genetic consultation is not prescribed in all cases. Only if a woman or man has a history of hereditary diseases or pathologies - Down syndrome, schizophrenia, etc. In addition, if a man is over 40 years old, a genetic consultation is also necessary. Women who have a history of miscarriages or stillbirths are also referred for genetic consultation.
2. Spermogram and compatibility analysis. If a couple fails to have a child within a year, the man is first prescribed a spermogram test - this will provide information about the activity of spermatozoa and their percentage in the sperm. This way, infertility in a man can be detected and a treatment plan can be prescribed.
3. Also, after long attempts to conceive a child, a compatibility test is prescribed, but such couples are few and it is prescribed extremely rarely.
4. Fluorography. A man must undergo an X-ray examination of the chest organs to rule out the possibility of tuberculosis.
5. Blood test for infections. A man, like a woman, must give blood for HIV, syphilis, etc. Especially in cases where the woman's blood test shows the presence of pathogens and sexually transmitted viruses.

A man must undergo tests when planning a pregnancy, because the healthier a man is at the time of conception, the higher the probability of having a healthy baby. And you can undergo all the necessary tests at any clinic in your city.

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Hormonal analysis when planning pregnancy

Hormonal analysis when planning a pregnancy is not of secondary importance in preparing for conception. Based on the study of hormonal levels, one can judge the failure of the endocrine functions of the body and will help to establish the cause of infertility. Hormonal analysis is necessary if a woman has male-type hair growth, the weight of the man and woman is above normal, oily and acne-prone skin, as well as age after 35 years.

There are factors that will be decisive in prescribing a hormone test:

1. Menstrual cycle dysfunction.
2. The medical history included miscarriages, frozen pregnancy, and stillbirth.
3. I have been unable to get pregnant for over a year.

When planning a pregnancy, it is worth focusing on the following hormones:

• Progesterone. It is responsible for the attachment of the embryo to the walls of the uterus and ensures its development.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Responsible for the growth of eggs, responsible for the production of estrogen. In men, responsible for the maturation of sperm.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) – regulates the maturation of the egg in the follicle, participates in the formation of the corpus luteum. In men, it promotes the full maturation of spermatozoa.
• Prolactin stimulates ovulation and is responsible for lactation after childbirth.
• Estradiol. Plays an important role in the development of the uterine mucosa and its preparation for pregnancy.
• Testosterone is a male hormone. If its percentage in a woman is too high, it can lead to a lack of ovulation or death of the fetus if pregnancy has already occurred.

Before taking the test, heavy physical exertion, smoking, and emotional stress are prohibited. The test should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Tests for infections when planning pregnancy

Infection tests should be taken first when planning a pregnancy – this is the only way to prevent the risk of infection of the fetus and harm to it during the treatment period. So, the necessary tests for infections when planning a pregnancy:

• RW (blood test for syphilis). May be false positive in tumors, diabetes, after drinking alcohol, etc.
• HIV.
• HbSAg — hepatitis B.
• HCV - hepatitis C.
• Separately, you should take a blood test for rubella. This is a particularly dangerous infection. If a woman has had this infection before, she will develop strong immunity. In a pregnant woman who has not had rubella, it can be mild, but in the fetus it causes severe deformities and malformations. If the risk of infection is high, vaccination is indicated, but conception will have to be postponed for several months.
• Blood for toxoplasmosis. A severe infection carried by animals. You can become infected by eating raw or poorly cooked meat, or by contact with stray animals.
• Cytomegalovirus. May cause intrauterine fetal death or may be the cause shortly after birth. Transmitted by airborne droplets, blood transfusions, sexual contact.
• Genital herpes. Infection is especially dangerous during pregnancy. If the percentage of antibodies is very high, then you cannot plan a pregnancy. In this case, the doctor prescribes the correct treatment.

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Genetic analysis when planning pregnancy

More and more couples who want to have a child are doing genetic analysis when planning a pregnancy. Recently, the number of couples who care not only about their financial readiness to become parents, but also want their future child to be healthy has increased.

Every parent wants their child to be healthy, but absolutely healthy married couples are almost impossible to find these days – every second person has some hereditary disease in their medical history.

You should consult a geneticist at least three months before the expected pregnancy. During this period of time, all necessary tests and examinations can be carried out and treatment can be prescribed.

There are 6 main groups that have a high risk of having a child with pathologies:

1. One of the parents has serious hereditary diseases in his family.
2. The woman had a history of miscarriages or stillborn babies with abnormalities.
3. Young age of parents (under 18 years) or, conversely, age exceeds 35-40 years.
4. The couple are blood relatives.
5. Living in an abnormal, polluted area, constant contact with harmful substances and chemicals.
6. The woman takes vital medications that can affect the formation and development of the fetus.

During the main studies, additional tests are prescribed:

1. Spermogram – to exclude sperm pathology;
2. Cytogenetic examination – determination of the quality and quantity of chromosomes;
3. HLA typing – to determine the degree of tissue compatibility in cases of unclear causes of infertility.

Blood test when planning pregnancy

A blood test when planning a pregnancy includes several mandatory stages that allow you to exclude all possible pathologies and infections, and will provide information about the general condition of the woman's body:

• Complete blood count

A general blood test will tell you about possible inflammatory processes in the body. It will also provide information about the number of formed elements in the blood.

• Blood for HIV, hepatitis A, B, C, RV (3 times during pregnancy)

Blood for these diseases is taken from a vein and on an empty stomach. Timely diagnosis of these diseases will help to adjust the most effective and safe treatment that will not harm the fetus and the pregnant woman herself. If a woman ignores these tests, she will have to give birth in the observation department.

• Blood biochemistry (at initial consultation; at 18 and 30 weeks of pregnancy)

Biochemical analysis deciphers data on protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. It is necessary to conduct an analysis for total protein and sugar level, serum iron. Additional biochemical analyses are prescribed for chronic pathologies (pyelonephritis, diabetes mellitus, biliary dyskinesia).

• Study of the coagulation system:

A venous blood test for a coagulogram, that is, to determine the rate of blood clotting. Thus, the tendency to bleeding is determined, and this can cause a miscarriage.

• Blood type and Rh factor
• Detection of TORCH infections

To determine TORCH infections, blood is taken from a vein for the presence of antibodies to toxoplasmosis, herpes, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus. If a high percentage of Ig M is detected in the blood, this indicates an acute disease and requires treatment; if a high percentage of Ig G is detected, this indicates that the woman has already had the infection and has developed strong immunity.

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Cost of tests when planning pregnancy

As soon as a married couple decides to have a child, everything in their life changes – feelings, thoughts, appearance and, of course, financial expenses. Therefore, pregnancy planning should begin first of all with the budget.

It is better to calculate the pregnancy planning budget in advance to know how much the process of preparing for pregnancy, carrying and giving birth may cost. This will help to avoid unpleasant situations and stress due to lack of finances.

Taking tests when planning a pregnancy, plus the necessary vitamins cost a lot of money, so this expense item must be taken into account.

Once pregnancy has occurred, in the second trimester the woman's body will change, so it will be necessary to buy new clothes and wear shoes with low heels.

Later, in the last months of pregnancy, you will need to worry about buying everything you need for your baby – clothes, a stroller, a crib, and much more.

Main cost items:

1. A visit to the doctor during preparation for pregnancy and the pregnancy itself will cost approximately UAH 2,200.
2. Tests and examinations will cost 7-8,000 UAH.
3. Vaccinations will cost approximately 300 UAH.
4. The tests will cost 140 UAH.
5. Vitamins – 1,800 UAH.
6. Special clothing and footwear – 4,000 UAH.

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