Pre Pregnancy counselling is like a preventive medicine in obstetrics. As how we prepare before any big celebration like wedding, we also need to prepare before pregnancy to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a safe delivery.
Goal is to optimise health of the couple, address modifiable risk factors and educate about a healthy pregnancy.
For example –
The two leading causes of death in the 1st year of Baby’s life -
1. Birth Defects.
2. Consequences of preterm birth.
Both of which can be significantly reduced / eliminated by initiating certain preventive strategies. Here, we proactively prepare the body for smooth Pregnancy.
1. Lack of Public Awareness.
2. Many pregnancies are unplanned.
We need to modify diet, nutritional status, lifestyle and address the risk factors:
1. Body Mass Index – Ideal BMI is 19-24.
Hence, we council to achieve an ideal BMI.
2. Prenatal Vitamins –
3. Infections Screened – Hepatitis, Sexually transmitted diseases. Immunity to Rubella and Hepatitis are assessed and immunization offered.
4. Screening for medical disorders - like diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy and effects of disease on pregnancy and pregnancy on disease counselled. For example, uncontrolled sugars can lead to major congenital malformations, abortions – so medication started / Medication changed because certain medications would be toxic to the baby.
5. Detect and Counsel regarding genetic diseases – Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia.
6. Life Style Modification – Recreational Drugs and smoking would be addressed. Alcohol – related mental retardation is currently the only mental retardation syndrome amenable to primary prevention. The first step is the honest assessment of her usage. Pre Pregnancy program to reduce or eliminate usage would be provided.
7. Environmental Exposures – Industrial Workers – Exposed to Chemicals such as Heavy Metals, Organic Solvents, women in rural areas exposed to pesticides would be counselled. Pet’s excreta should be meticulously managed to avoid infections. So Health during pregnancy depends on health before pregnancy. Hence, Preconception Care is very important to ensure a safe pregnancy and beautiful motherhood.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Rijaphin R for all Gynecology related concerns.
Must Read - What should be read during pregnancy?
Couvade syndrome, also known as sympathetic pregnancy, describes a situation where the partner of the pregnant person experiences pregnancy-related symptoms. The name COUVADE comes from the French word COUVEE which means “ TO HATCH” or “TO BROOD” This condition is rooted in empathy experienced by the otherwise healthy partner of their pregnant counterpart leading them to believe they also have similar symptoms usually experienced during pregnancy.
Studies have shown that symptoms associated with Couvade syndrome often occur during the first and last trimesters of the pregnancy. Research have shown instances of syndrome vary depending on geographical location, with prevalence in Australia ( 31 percent ).
It is important to note that although a person suffering from couvade syndrome will experience symptoms, they are aware of the fact that they are not pregnant. Some of the symptoms associated with couvade syndrome include:
• Vomiting or nausea
• Changes in appetite
• Bloating of the abdomen
• Back pain
• Leg cramps
• Toothache
• Heartburn
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Stomach distention
• Urinary irritation
• Depressions
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Less desire for sex
• Restlessness
In most cases, symptoms associated with sympathetic pregnancy or couvade syndrome often surface during the first trimester. These symptoms then subside in the second trimester only to appear again in the last trimester. In some cases, couvade syndrome during delivery is also apparent. The patient may experience pain that can be described as “sympathy” pain.
There is no specific treatment for Couvade Syndrome as the symptoms are usually temporary. The only way to cope with the symptoms is to try calming approaches like yoga, meditation. This will also help resolve physical symptoms that have cropped as a result of couvade syndrome. Rather than ignoring symptoms brought forth by Sympathetic pregnancy, it is a good idea to ensure that you get plenty of rest, stick to a healthy diet and avoid alcohol. Fortunately, Couvade syndrome has been deemed temporary and will soon pass once the pregnancy and delivery of the partner are over.
Must Read - Must have Vegetables during Pregnancy
Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.
Want to book the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.
"Four goals are: 1) Optimise couple health 2) Address modifiable risk factors 3) Educate about a healthy pregnancy 4) Prepare your body proactively for a smooth pregnancy. An additional goal is significantly reducing/eliminating birth defects and the consequences of preterm birth."
"Two main barriers for preconception counselling are: 1) Lack of public awareness about the importance of preconception care 2) Many pregnancies are unplanned, making it difficult to implement preconception counselling before conception occurs These barriers prevent couples from receiving preventive care and education before pregnancy."
The role of a nurse in preconception counselling is to educate, coordinate and help by assessing the person’s health. They can also help identify risks and create a plan for a healthy pregnancy.
Preconceptional counselling is like preventive medicine in obstetrics, preparing couples before pregnancy for a smooth pregnancy and safe delivery. It optimises couples' health, addresses modifiable risk factors, educates about a healthy pregnancy, and proactively prepares the body. Involves screening, lifestyle modification, nutritional assessment, genetic counselling, infection screening and addressing environmental exposures.
Best Gynecologists in Bellandur Best Gynecologists in Electronic City Best Gynecologists in HRBR LayoutBest Gynecologists in Jayanagar Best Gynecologists in Kanakapura RoadBest Gynecologists in Malleswaram Best Gynecologists in Nagarbhavi Best Gynecologists in Old Airport RoadBest Gynecologists in Sahakarnagar Best Gynecologists in Sarjapur RoadBest Gynecologists in ThanisandraBest Gynecologists in Varthur RoadBest Gynecologists in Whitefield Best Gynecologists in Industrial Area Phase IIBest Gynecologists in OMRBest Gynecologists in T NagarBest Gynecologists in New Industrial TownBest Gynecologists in IndirapuramBest Gynecologists in Golf Course RoadBest Gynecologists in Sector 14Best Gynecologists in Sector 47Best Gynecologists in Banjara HillsBest Gynecologists in GachibowliBest Gynecologists in Hitech CityBest Gynecologists in KompallyBest Gynecologists in Gomti NagarBest Gynecologists in MaladBest Gynecologists in NerulBest Gynecologists in VashiBest Gynecologists in Kailash ColonyBest Gynecologists in PatparganjBest Gynecologists in Punjabi BaghBest Gynecologists in VikaspuriBest Gynecologists in Gaur CityBest Gynecologists in Pari ChowkBest Gynecologists in Sector 51Best Gynecologists in Sector 5 Swastik ViharBest Gynecologists in Kalyani NagarBest Gynecologists in SB RoadBest Gynecologists in Pimple SaudagarBest Pediatricians in BellandurBest Pediatricians in Electronic CityBest Pediatricians in HRBR LayoutBest Pediatricians in JayanagarBest Pediatricians in Kanakapura RoadBest Pediatricians in MalleswaramBest Pediatricians in NagarbhaviBest Pediatricians in Old Airport RoadBest Pediatricians in SahakarnagarBest Pediatricians in Sarjapur RoadBest Pediatricians in ThanisandraBest Pediatricians in Varthur RoadBest Pediatricians in WhitefieldBest Pediatricians in Industrial Area Phase IIBest Pediatricians in OMRBest Pediatricians in T NagarBest Pediatricians in New Industrial TownshipBest Pediatricians in IndirapuramBest Pediatricians in Golf Course RoadBest Pediatricians in Sector 14Best Pediatricians in Sector 47Best Pediatricians in Hitech CityBest Pediatricians in Banjara HillsBest Pediatricians in GachibowliBest Pediatricians in KompallyBest Pediatricians in Gomti NagarBest Pediatricians in MaladBest Pediatricians in NerulBest Pediatricians in VashiBest Pediatricians in Kailash ColonyBest Pediatricians in PatparganjBest Pediatricians in Punjabi BaghBest Pediatricians in VikaspuriBest Pediatricians in Gaur CityBest Pediatricians in Pari ChowkBest Pediatricians in Sector 51Best Pediatricians in Sector 5 Swastik ViharBest Pediatricians in Kalyani NagarBest Pediatricians in SB RoadBest Pediatricians in Pimple Saudagar
