40w LaterGuide

Preparing for pregnancy is a good opportunity to review your overall health. A preconception checkup does not mean that everyone needs the same set of tests. Your healthcare professional can recommend appropriate tests based on your age, medical history, vaccination history, previous pregnancies, medications, family history, and local guidelines.

Where should you go?

Depending on the healthcare system where you live, preconception care may be available from an obstetrician-gynecologist, family doctor, primary care provider, midwife, or other healthcare professional.

1. Review of your medical and reproductive history

Your healthcare professional may ask about your menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies and pregnancy complications, medical conditions, medications and supplements, vaccinations, family history, and lifestyle.

It is also a good time to discuss any chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, epilepsy, or autoimmune conditions. Some medications may need to be reviewed before pregnancy, but do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

2. Blood tests when appropriate

Blood tests are not identical for everyone. Depending on your health history and local recommendations, testing may include a complete blood count to check for anemia and other tests considered relevant to pregnancy.

If anemia is found, the cause should be evaluated and treated appropriately. Iron supplementation is not automatically necessary for everyone before pregnancy.

3. Immunity and vaccination review

Before pregnancy, it is useful to check whether your vaccinations are up to date. In some settings, immunity to infections such as rubella may be checked with a blood test if vaccination or immunity status is uncertain.

If a live vaccine such as the MMR vaccine is needed, you may be advised to wait for a period of time before trying to conceive. Follow the recommendation for the specific vaccine and your local guidelines.

4. Screening for infections

Depending on your medical history, risk factors, previous test results, and local guidelines, screening for infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted infections may be recommended.

Identifying certain infections before or during pregnancy allows treatment or other measures to reduce risks to both the pregnant person and baby.

5. Urine and other tests

A urine test or other laboratory tests may be recommended if there is a medical reason, such as symptoms of a urinary tract infection or concerns about kidney disease or diabetes. These tests are not necessarily required as routine preconception screening for everyone.

6. Cervical cancer screening

Planning a pregnancy is a good opportunity to check whether you are due for cervical cancer screening. However, a cervical screening test is not required simply because you are trying to become pregnant.

Screening methods and intervals vary by age, previous results, and national guidelines, and may include HPV testing, cervical cytology, or both.

Do I need every test before trying to conceive?

No. Preconception care should be individualized. For some people, reviewing medical history, medications, vaccinations, lifestyle, and folic acid intake may be more important than having a long list of laboratory tests.

If you are planning a pregnancy, ask a healthcare professional which checks are appropriate for you.