One of the most important components of a healthy pregnancy is a healthy mom. Before becoming pregnant, you should make an appointment with your doctor for a preconceptual (pre-pregnancy) examination. This could include any of the following:

Physical Exam and Pap Smear
To determine the general and reproductive health of the mother.

Personal and Family Medical History
Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, anemia, allergies, and mental retardation, can lead to pregnancy risks for both the baby and the mother. Your doctor needs to know about these conditions as early as possible, as well as previous pregnancy complications, miscarriages, and surgeries, so you can adequately prepare to minimize complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Vaccinations and Infection Screenings
Are you up to date on your vaccinations? Your baby will be very susceptible to disease, so in order to protect your baby, it is important to protect yourself as well. Your doctor should also check for other infections, such as of the urinary tract.

STD Testing
You must be tested and treated for all Sexually Transmitted Diseases before becoming pregnant to avoid infecting your baby.

Genetic Testing/Counseling
You should discuss the history of genetic disorders in your family, because such histories can increase these risks for yourself and your children. Certain ethnic and racial groups are predisposed to certain diseases and illnesses.

Discuss Getting Pregnant
Learning your optimum fertilization time will make it easier to get pregnant when you decide that you are ready. When the mother is over the age of 35, it is harder to get pregnant and the risks of birth defects increase dramatically. If you have trouble conceiving, talk with your doctor.