The preconception visit is a fundamental part of planning a pregnancy. 

• Three months prior to becoming pregnant, you should begin to take folic acid.  This supplement is essential in preventing deformities of the infant’s central nervous system. 
• The minimum weight for a healthy pregnancy is 50 Kg. 

As the excitement builds during the first few weeks, pregnancy brings on a variety of feelings; and proper prenatal care will allow you and your baby to enjoy this most incredible experience of giving life. 

Planning a pregnancy is beneficial for both the mother and the future baby, as there are many preventative health measures that favorably affect the health of both which should be implemented before getting pregnant.  These include starting to take vitamin supplements, especially folic acid.  “It is advantageous that the mother begin taking folic acid at least three months before she becomes pregnant, which provides a favorable environment for the development of the baby’s central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and other organ systems,” explained Dr. Leonel Abud, OB/GYN specialist at Hospital Clinica Biblica. 

Recommendations for planning a pregnancy:
• Start taking folic acid three months prior to becoming pregnant. 
• This supplement will prevent central nervous system deformities in the infant. 
• A preconception visit is ideal, with a complete gynecologic evaluation including a Pap smear, gynecologic exam, and transvaginal ultrasound. 
• The mínimum weight for a health pregnancy is 50 Kg.
• Common exams that are done during prenatal care include the following:  fetal kick counts, ultrasound, doppler ultrasounds, fetal monitoring with and without contractions, biophysical profile, blood tests, HIV, urine tests, others. 

Although specialists recommend that each pregnancy be planned, this hardly ever happens.  According to Dr. Abud, in only one percent of the cases has the couple had a preconception visit, where the specialist calculates the pregnancy risk. 

Hospital Clinica Biblica offers you gynecology and preconception check-ups.  For more information, contact (506) 2522-1000 at Hospital Clinica Biblica.