Generally, these health checks include screening for anaemia, Thalassemia, blood group and type (Rhesus) and infectious disease tests. For the woman, preconception health checks should include a PAP (cervical) smear test for cervical cancer screening and a basic ultrasound of the pelvic organs to detect cysts and fibroids in the ovaries and uterus, respectively.
Couples can consult their family doctor or OBGYN for these checks. In addition, they may want to check if they are immunised against Rubella and Varicella Zoster viruses. Women should start to increase their intake of folate/folic acid in their diet or include a multivitamin which contains folate. Folate reduces the risks of neural tube defects in the foetus.
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