Preconception Medical Checklist

Medical History
Your doctor will ask you detailed questions about your lifestyle and family history. He or she will ask about your eating habits, exposure to any toxic products, and chronic health conditions like diabetes. Your genetics play a large role in your baby's health, so you'll be asked about any genetic abnormalities or medical problems within your family. If you've previously had a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, your physician will discuss these issues with you. If you have high blood pressure, your risk of placental problems and preeclampsia are increased, so you and your doctor will need to have a plan for managing it during your pregnancy.

Pelvic Exam
Your physician will perform a standard pelvic exam to make sure that your uterus, cervix and ovaries are functioning normally. If there is an ovarian cyst or fibroid, you can treat the problem right away and have much better odds of having a healthy pregnancy.

Pap Smear
A Pap smear is usually performed twice a year or as needed, and checks for abnormalities in the cervix, or sexually transmitted diseases. Your doctor needs to know if you've ever been treated for any STD's, or have herpes or HIV/AIDS, as these can be transmitted to your baby through childbirth.

Blood Tests
You'll need a blood test to check for anemia and to determine your blood type. If your doctor feels that your medical history and ethnic background warrant further testing, you may be tested for thalassemia, sickle-cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. A blood test will also determine if you've been vaccinated against rubella, which needs to be done before pregnancy. The doctor will also be able to tell if you've had toxoplasmosis (transmitted through undercooked meat or cat feces).

Urinalysis
This test will reveal any urinary tract infections or diabetes. If you do have a UTI, your doctor can easily treat it with antibiotics.

Thyroid Function Test
If your thyroid is under-active, it can lead to infertility or even miscarriage. If you have had thyroid problems in the past, you'll definitely need to get tested.

Genetic Tests
If you or your partner have any of the risk factors for genetic abnormalities, your doctor will refer you to a genetic counselor. If you are over 35, more extensive genetic testing will be done, as older women are at a higher risk of having a baby with a genetic defect.