Information on any past pregnancies or gynecologic problems helps the doctor predict problems that might occur during pregnancy or when you are trying to conceive. Some infectious diseases can harm a baby before or after the baby is born, affect your ability to get pregnant, or affect the delivery. Your doctor can look at your past medical records or may test you for immunity. You may need vaccinations against these diseases before you try to get pregnant. Be sure to avoid getting pregnant for at least 3 months after you get the shots.
Some families have a history of inherited diseases or birth defects.
Discuss your family medical history and the father's family medical history with your doctor. If there is a chance that your baby will inherit a disease or other problem, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor can help determine your chances of having a child with birth defects or inherited diseases. The doctor or genetic counselor might do some studies of your chromosomes and the father's chromosomes. Birth defects are abnormalities seen in infants at birth.