Pre-Pregnancy Counseling

Ideally, before getting pregnant, you should consult a gynecologist, have a gynecological examination, and have the necessary tests done.

A gynecological examination should assess the condition of the ovaries and uterus. If any cysts or masses are found in the ovaries or uterus, appropriate treatment is administered. A Pap smear (PAP smear) is required to diagnose cervical cancer. Following a vaginal ultrasound, the expectant mother can be advised on which days her chances of pregnancy are highest.

One of the blood tests that will be performed is the TORCH test, which is an abbreviation for infectious agents such as toxoplasmosis, rubella cytemegalovirus, and herpes simplex. If these infections are detected before pregnancy, more detailed tests are necessary. Pre-pregnancy treatment is also provided if necessary. Additionally, a hepatitis test, complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, and thyroid, kidney, and liver functions should be checked as blood tests. If thyroid gland function is impaired, treatment is planned. Thyroid hormone disorders are very important during pregnancy. If thyroid hormone is underactive or overactive, treatment is planned. If the hepatitis B vaccine is not available, the hepatitis B vaccine should be planned. If the expectant mother has not had rubella (rubella) and has not been vaccinated, she should receive the rubella vaccine at least three months prior. Because the rubella (rubella) vaccine is a live vaccine, pregnancy should be avoided within these three months. After these checks, it is recommended to take a vitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid three months before the planned pregnancy.

What are the routine tests performed before pregnancy? (If there is no other known disease)

Whole blood

Liver function tests

Kidney function tests

TORCH test

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C.

HIV

VDRL

Vitamin D

Vitamin B12

 

What is Pregnancy? How does it happen?

Pregnancy is a process that begins with the fertilization of an egg hatched from a woman's ovary by the sperm in the man's semen, the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus, and changes in the body caused by the hormones released during this time. The gestation period is 37-40 weeks.

Pregnancy occurs when a couple has unprotected sexual intercourse and a sperm fertilizes an egg. Women ovulate once a month. In men, sperm is present in every ejaculation. A woman with a regular menstrual cycle ovulates 14 days before her expected period. The egg has a lifespan of 24 hours, while sperm have a lifespan of 72 hours. Therefore, the chance of pregnancy is higher if intercourse occurs two days before and two days after ovulation.