Pregnancy testing evaluates the overall health and history of both woman and man to plan a healthy pregnancy, helping the unborn child to be as healthy as possible.
These tests should be done at least 3 months before the start of the trials because if there is any disease that could interfere with the pregnancy, there is time for it to be resolved before the woman gets pregnant.
The exams that the couple should do should be supervised by the gynecologist and include:
| For Women | For Man |
| Blood test with complete blood count, fasting blood glucose and blood type | Blood test with complete blood count |
| Blood tests for cytomegalovirus, rubella, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, hepatitis B and AIDS |
Blood test for syphilis, hepatitis B, AIDS |
| Urine and stool examination | Urine and stool examination |
| Hormone dosing and antibody checking | |
Pap Smear with HPV Screening | Observation of genitals to check for gynecological diseases |
In preconception consultation the doctor should also check the vaccination card to see if the woman has all the vaccines up to date and prescribe folic acid tablets that must be taken before pregnancy to avoid possible defects in the baby's nervous system.
Exams to get pregnant after 40 years
Pregnancy exams after age 40 should be the same as those listed above. However, at this age the chances of getting pregnant are lower and the couple has difficulty getting pregnant. In this case, the doctor may indicate that the woman does several imaging tests of the uterus, such as:
- Hysterosonography is an ultrasound of the uterus that serves to evaluate the cavity of the uterus;
- Magnetic resonance imaging in case of suspected tumor and to evaluate cases of endometriosis;
- Video-hysteroscopy in which the doctor visualizes the uterine cavity through a small video camera, vaginally to evaluate the uterus and assist in the diagnosis of fibroids, polyps or inflammation of the uterus;
- Videolaparoscopy is a surgical technique in which the abdominal region, uterus and fallopian tubes are visualized through a camera;
- Hysterosalpingography is an x-ray with contrast that evaluates the cavity of the uterus and if there is obstruction in the tubes.
The pregnancy tests make it possible to schedule the pregnancy before you start trying to ensure the health of the baby that will be born.
