Pre-pregnancy screening: what tests are important and how to prepare the body for conception

Planning a pregnancy is the first step towards a healthy baby and a peaceful nine months ahead. When a woman or couple undergoes an examination in advance, they gain the most important thing - confidence that the body is ready for changes, and possible risks are identified and controlled.

Preparing for pregnancy is not just about getting tested. It's about understanding your chronic conditions, maintaining hormonal balance, checking your immunity to infections, and improving your overall health. Below is a list of the most important tests that help create a safe start to motherhood.

Why get tested before pregnancy?

The body of an expectant mother works differently already in the first weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to assess:

• level of vitamins and minerals
• thyroid gland function
• sugar levels and insulin resistance
• presence of hidden infections
• state of the reproductive system
• blood type and Rh factor
• immunity to infections that are dangerous during pregnancy

Problems detected early make it possible to stabilize the body before conception.

Basic laboratory tests before pregnancy

It's best to start with a basic complex that assesses overall health.

• Complete blood count
• General urine analysis
• Blood glucose
• Biochemical analysis (liver, kidneys, electrolytes)
• Ferritin (iron stores)
• Vitamin D
• Blood type and Rh factor
• Coagulogram

These tests help detect anemia, deficiencies, and other conditions that may affect conception or the early course of pregnancy.

Screening for infections

Certain infections can be dangerous during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

It is recommended to check:

• TORCH complex (toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes)
• Hepatitis B and C
• HIV
• Syphilis
• Sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma)

It is important to know not only the presence of infection, but also immunity to it. For example, the absence of antibodies to rubella is an indication for vaccination before pregnancy.

Hormonal tests before pregnancy

For pregnancy to occur easily and develop properly, the hormonal system must be in balance.

Most often, the doctor prescribes:

• TSH, free T4 (thyroid gland)
• Prolactin
• Progesterone
• LH, FSH
• Testosterone (if necessary)
• Anti-Mullerian hormone (assessment of ovarian reserve)

Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common causes of difficulty conceiving, so these indicators are very important.

Additional tests (as indicated)

The doctor may also prescribe other tests:

• Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
• Glycated hemoglobin
• B vitamins
• Folate (B9)
• D-dimer
• Autoimmune antibody tests

Women with recurrent miscarriages or a complex reproductive history may be recommended an expanded panel of tests.

A short list of key tests before pregnancy

Ultrasound and instrumental examinations before pregnancy

• Pelvic ultrasound — assessment of the condition of the ovaries, endometrium, presence of cysts or polyps
• Thyroid ultrasound
• ECG (especially after 30 years of age)
• Gynecological examination
• Cervical cytology (PAP test)
• Oncocytology and HPV test

This helps to identify changes that should be corrected before pregnancy occurs.

It is also important for men to get tested.

Planning a pregnancy is a shared responsibility. Men are recommended to:

• spermogram
• sperm DNA fragmentation test
• general blood test
• tests for infections
• hormones (as indicated)

Sperm quality affects not only the possibility of conception, but also the health of the unborn child.

Tips for preparing for pregnancy

• start taking folic acid (400–800 mcg)
• normalize sleep
• reduce stress factors
• balance your diet
• avoid alcohol and smoking
• maintain moderate physical activity

These simple steps greatly increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Planning a pregnancy is about taking care of the health of the expectant mother and baby. A comprehensive examination helps to identify hidden conditions, balance hormones, check immunity, and confidently prepare for conception. The more thoroughly the preparatory stage is completed, the fewer surprises during pregnancy and the more peace of mind for the future family.