Many people think that pregnancy care begins once they know they are pregnant, but in reality, many of the baby's vital organs start forming from the very first weeks — sometimes before the mother even realises she is pregnant. Preparing your health before pregnancy is therefore a golden window that helps the mother's body be as ready as possible for the start of the baby's life.
Why a pre-pregnancy check matters
The goal is to prepare the mother's body so the baby is healthy. Checking ahead helps identify and manage risks beforehand — such as keeping underlying conditions stable, topping up any missing immunity, and starting the necessary nutritional supplements at the right time. All of this helps reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and of congenital defects in the baby.
Start earlier, be more ready, for a healthy baby
Preparing several months before pregnancy gives you enough time to get vaccinated, to adjust your regular medications so they are safe for pregnancy, and to build good health for the mother before taking on the demands of pregnancy.
What does a pre-pregnancy check include?
Preparing before pregnancy covers tests, vaccinations and lifestyle adjustments, as follows:
- A general health check — blood pressure, blood sugar, a complete blood count, and thalassaemia carrier status
- Assessing and controlling underlying conditions — such as diabetes, hypertension and thyroid disease — to be stable before pregnancy
- Checking immunity and getting the necessary vaccines — such as rubella, hepatitis B and chickenpox
- Taking folic acid before pregnancy, to reduce the risk of congenital defects in the baby
- Adjusting your habits — stopping alcohol and smoking, controlling your weight, and getting enough rest
If you are taking regular medication, you should tell your doctor so they can consider adjusting it to be safe for pregnancy, because some medicines may affect the baby.
At Doctor Chat Clinic, we offer health check-ups, blood tests, ultrasound and electrocardiograms (EKG) with a doctor, along with advice on pre-pregnancy preparation and planning vaccinations appropriately for each couple.
Who should be checked, and when to start
Couples planning to have a baby should start preparing in advance — not wait until they are already pregnant.
- Start at least 3 months ahead: to allow time for vaccinations, folic acid, and controlling underlying conditions
- Those with underlying conditions: such as diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease should consult a doctor to keep their condition stable first
- The father should prepare too: have a health check and adjust his habits to increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy
Symptoms to see a doctor for promptly, without waiting for your annual check-up
- Very irregular periods, long absence of periods, or abnormal bleeding
- Severe lower-abdominal pain, or an unusual lump in the abdomen
- Trying to conceive for more than 1 year without success (or 6 months if over 35 years old)
- An uncontrolled underlying condition, such as abnormally high blood sugar or blood pressure
- Repeated miscarriages, or a history of abnormal pregnancy