For most families, the arrival of a child brings with it the excitement of anticipation. In order to make this period as happy as possible and to ensure that your baby is healthy, it is important to prepare for this time in your life. You can have important tests done before you conceive and it is worth continuing these throughout your pregnancy.
Some things to stop, and some things to start
In the pre-conception period, you should discuss with your GP or specialist which medicines you should avoid taking. It is a good idea to remove intrauterine contraceptive devices a few months before the planned conception to allow the uterine lining to regenerate. It is recommended that you stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can not only be harmful to the fetus, but can also slow down the movement of sperm and inhibit the production of the hormone that keeps the pregnancy alive. You should also start taking fetal protection vitamins three months before conception, as they can significantly reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities and premature birth.
Detectable risk factors
We need to look after not only our children’s health, but also our own. It’s worth getting yourself checked in advance for any health problems that could threaten your pregnancy or make it difficult to conceive. These can include thyroid and blood disorders, diabetes, and whether the mother-to-be has a history of any infectious diseases – such as rubella or chicken pox – that could put the fetus at risk. The dreaded disease of pregnancy is toxoplasmosis, against which immunity can be established by a simple serological test, which is also performed by HR-Pharma in Szeged. Cervical cancer screening and a gynecological examination are also recommended when planning for a pregnancy.
Pregnancy laboratory tests recommended by HR-Pharma:
First trimester
It is recommended in the early stages of pregnancy and includes the usual prenatal tests in Hungary, as well as general laboratory tests, urinalysis and sediment analysis.
Second trimester
It is recommended for the second stage of pregnancy. In addition to the above package, it also contains vitamin B12 and vitamin D determinations.
Third trimester
It is recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy and includes a 3-point blood glucose test in addition to the two packages above. As it takes more than 2 hours, it can only be done by appointment.