Couples should know! Checklist for preparing before having children: What health checks do you need to have?

‘Check Your Readiness Before Having a Child’ The Complete Guide for New Parents

Preparation before having a child consists of 3 main parts:

• Physical Examination to detect genetic diseases and thalassemia carriers
• Lifestyle Adjustment quit smoking/alcohol and control weight
• Supplementation start taking folic acid at least 3 months before pregnancy

* If natural conception takes longer than 1 year (or 6 months for women over 35 years old), consult a specialist doctor

Why Check Readiness Before Having a Child?

Preparation is not just about “luck” but about “science.” Readiness checks help reduce risks that may occur to both the mother and the fetus as follows:

• Reduce Complications prevent miscarriage or preeclampsia
• Screen for Genetic Diseases such as thalassemia, which many Thai people are carriers of
• Check Immunity test for rubella and hepatitis B virus to prevent infection to the baby

Checklist: 5 Tests You Must Do!

1. Blood Test to check blood concentration, Rh blood group, and sexually transmitted diseases
2. Genetic Carrier Screening especially for thalassemia and other recessive genes
3. Immunity Test if no immunity to rubella, vaccination is recommended and contraception should be used for at least 1 month after
4. Ultrasound of Uterus and Ovaries (for women) to check for enlarged uterus, tumors, or cysts
5. Semen Analysis for men to check sperm count and motility

Lifestyle Adjustment

• Weight Management Body Mass Index (BMI) should be between 18.5 – 22.9 because obesity affects ovulation
• Supplements Women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent birth defects
• Stress Reduction Accumulated stress raises cortisol levels, which interferes with reproductive hormones

Signs That You Should “See a Doctor” Immediately!

No need to wait a full year if you meet any of the following conditions:

• Woman over 35 years old and has been trying for 6 months without success
• Irregular menstrual cycles or abnormally severe menstrual pain
• History of uterine or ovarian surgery
• Man with a history of testicular injury or mumps during childhood

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for Having a Child

Q: What vitamins should I take before pregnancy?

A: Mainly folic acid, vitamin D, and iron. For men, zinc and coenzyme Q10 are recommended to nourish sperm.

Q: How many months of trying naturally is considered infertility?

A: For couples under 35 years old, it is 12 months. But if over 35 years old, it is counted as only 6 months.