Tests before pregnancy: how to prepare the body for a new life

Preparing for pregnancy is not just about choosing a name for your baby. It is, above all, about responsible medical stage, which begins even before conception. Even with complete external health, future parents may have hidden risks: infections, hormonal disruptions, blood clotting disorders, genetic mutations. That is why Pre-pregnancy tests are the basis for safe motherhood and child health.

Why take tests before conception?

• Reveal risks to the fetus and mother even before their implementation

• Prepare the body for changes: hormonal, immune, metabolic

• Treat or compensate latent infections or deficiencies

• Choose the best time and rule out pregnancy complications

Preparing for pregnancy is not only a woman's duty. Successful conception and normal embryogenesis also depend on husband's health, therefore both partners take the tests.

Mandatory tests for women before pregnancy

General clinical:

• Complete blood count (detection of anemia, inflammation)

• General urine analysis (kidney function assessment)

• Blood glucose (risks of gestational diabetes)

• Coagulogram (clotting, risk of thrombosis)

• Biochemical analysis (liver, kidneys, metabolism)

Infectious screenings:

• TORCH complex (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes)

• Hepatitis B and C

• OX

• Syphilis

• Microflora smear, PAP test

Hormonal tests:

• TSH, free T4 — thyroid function

• Prolactin, FSH, LH — reproductive function

• Progesterone — readiness of the endometrium for implantation

Immunological:

• Antibodies to the Rh factor (especially in an Rh-negative woman)

• Rubella antibodies — to check immunity

Tests for men before conception

• Complete blood and urine analysis

• TORCH, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis

• Spermogram (assessment of sperm motility and morphology)

• MAR test (immunological form of infertility)

• If necessary - testosterone, prolactin, scrotal ultrasound

Sperm abnormalities are often reversible with early detection, therefore, you cannot ignore the examination of your partner.

Genetic counseling and advanced testing

• Karyotyping of the couple - with a complicated family history

• Analysis for cystic fibrosis, SMA, thalassemia - according to indications

• Examination for a history of miscarriage

• Folate, vitamin D, ferritin — for nutritional correction

Some clinics offer “pre-pregnancy preparation” panel”, which covers 10–30 parameters and allows for a full assessment of the body's condition before conception.

Main groups of analyses and their purpose