What tests should you have before getting pregnant?

Are you thinking of having a child and want to give yourself every chance for everything to go as smoothly as possible? In that case, you're probably wondering what tests to have before getting pregnant. Your maternity blog tells you more on the subject!

Why have medical tests before getting pregnant?

Being in good physical and emotional health is essential to having a successful pregnancy. And, of course, being in good health so that the baby can grow in the best possible conditions.

This women's health check takes into account family and personal medical history, vaccinations, test results, as well as any possible conditions and ongoing treatments. This pre-conception consultation can take place from the moment you stop using contraception, when you are ready to conceive a child.

So, what tests should you have before getting pregnant?

There are several pre-pregnancy tests that may be offered to you:

• Mammogram
• STI screening
• Vaccination record review or blood test
• Cervical smear

Finally, your practitioner may ask you a few questions. They will look into your lifestyle and habits in order to learn more — and to give you advice where needed. It will also be an opportunity to adopt some healthy habits, such as giving up smoking, for example.

And what about for him?

Indeed! Since it's not only the woman who is involved, he too can undergo a few tests. A little check-up for him would certainly not go amiss — first and foremost to preserve his reproductive health. But also to screen for a possible transmissible infection, or even infertility!

So, what pre-conception health check is available for a man?

• Fertility assessment, which is the most common
• Testicular biopsy
• Testicular ultrasound
• Hormonal level analysis

What about you — have you ever thought about having this kind of health check?