Are you planning to get pregnant? If yes, then you should go for preconception counselling to learn more about your chances and other factors. It is a vital step for couples planning a future pregnancy. It involves consultations with healthcare professionals to assess potential risks, optimise health, and receive guidance for a healthy pregnancy. We spoke to our expert Dr Rajeev Agarwal, IVF Specialist and Medical Director, Renew Healthcare, Kolkata, who explained preconception counselling and its importance.
According to the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, infertility poses a significant global health concern, impacting around 8%–10% of couples globally. Out of the 60–80 million couples facing infertility annually worldwide, it's estimated that approximately 15 to 20 million (25%) reside in India alone.
Dr Agarwal added, “At least 10-15% of married couples are experiencing fertility issues at some point. One in two millennials is delaying having a family and thinks they can conceive later. 54% of those delaying pregnancy face issues in conception in their 30s.”
Also Read: First Trimester Of Pregnancy: Expert Explains Transformations To Expect During This Phase
What Is Preconception Counselling?
Preconception counselling is an advisory session provided to a couple before they start to try and have children.
“Preconception health means taking care of your health to ensure that if you choose to start a family; you'll be healthy enough to do so. Whether you're thinking about now, the near future or not at all, the key is setting goals, planning, and most importantly, taking care of yourself during the preconception period since your health before pregnancy can affect the health of your baby”, said Dr Agarwal.
Basics of Preconception Counselling
Preconception Counselling is recommended for all couples who are yet to start a family. They may fall under the following groups:
- Couples who are planning to get married
- Newly married couples
- Couples married for some time and are ready to start a family
- Also, couples who are married and are thinking of delaying for a few years before starting a family
Key Reasons and Benefits of Preconception Counselling
Here are some key reasons why preconception counselling or fertility counselling will help couples, as listed by the expert:
- Assessment of basic fertility criteria, including eggs, sperms, open fallopian tubes, and normal hormone levels
- Evaluation and correction of existing medical conditions
- Lifestyle changes assessment
- Understanding fertility score and reproductive window
- Guidance on delaying starting a family if needed
- Determination of peak fertility years for natural conception
- Recommendations for maintaining optimum reproductive health
- Preparation for a healthy and smooth pregnancy naturally
- Fertility preservation options if planning to delay motherhood for a long time
Process of Preconception Counselling: Step-by-Step
Dr Agarwal said, “We usually begin with a fundamental inquiry: Do you currently desire to conceive a child? If the answer is affirmative, we then ascertain whether you wish to pursue conception immediately or within the next 3-6 months. This determination is crucial as it guides the formulation of our evaluation and vitamin supplementation plan, among other considerations.”
“If you opt not to pursue immediate conception, we engage in a discussion to document the reasons for the delay. Subsequently, we proceed to assess the basic fertility of both partners”, added Dr Agarwal.
During the second meeting, once the reports are available, there is a comprehensive discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of delaying conception and exploring available options to safeguard future fertility.
“Following this, a detailed medical history review is conducted to identify any familial or personal factors that may impact future fertility or maternal and foetal health. This involves posing specific inquiries regarding your family's genetic background, as well as any history of thyroid disease, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, depression, cardiovascular or renal conditions, along with any prior surgeries or relevant treatments”, highlighted Dr Agarwal.
Five Pillars Of PreConception Counselling
Preconception counselling sessions are designed around the five pillars:
- Change
- Investigate
- Correct
- Add
- Counsel
Bottomline
Dr Agarwal concluded, “Overall, preconception counselling provides couples with the information, support, and guidance they need to optimise their health before embarking on the journey of pregnancy and parenthood, thereby enhancing the journey of pregnancy and motherhood.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your gynaecologist before planning your pregnancy to rule out any complications.]