Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most joyful experiences for any family. But ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery doesn’t begin only after conception—it starts even earlier, with preconceptional counseling and care. Along with Antenatal Counselling (care during pregnancy), these steps play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.
As a Pediatric Surgeon practicing in Thane, I frequently meet families who wish they had known about the importance of pre-pregnancy planning and early pregnancy care. With the right guidance, many complications can be prevented, and both mother and baby can enjoy a smoother, healthier journey.
What is Preconceptional Counseling and Care?
Preconceptional counseling refers to medical advice, health checks, and lifestyle planning before a woman becomes pregnant. It helps prepare the body and mind for pregnancy, ensuring that risk factors are identified and managed early.
Key elements of preconceptional care include:
- Medical Evaluation – Checking for chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues that may affect pregnancy.
- Nutritional Guidance – Ensuring adequate intake of folic acid, iron, and other essential vitamins.
- Lifestyle Modifications – Encouraging exercise, balanced diet, and avoidance of smoking or alcohol.
- Genetic Counseling – For couples with a family history of genetic disorders.
- Vaccinations – Updating immunizations (like rubella) before pregnancy to prevent complications.
By taking these proactive steps, couples significantly reduce the chances of complications during pregnancy.
What is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care (ANC) means regular medical supervision and check-ups during pregnancy. It focuses on monitoring the health of both mother and baby, detecting complications early, and ensuring timely interventions.
Key components of antenatal care include:
- Regular Check-ups – Monitoring blood pressure, weight, and overall maternal health.
- Ultrasound Scans – Assessing fetal growth, development, and detecting abnormalities.
- Blood Tests – Checking for anemia, infections, and gestational diabetes.
- Nutritional Support – Ensuring the mother receives adequate nutrition.
- Guidance on Safe Delivery – Preparing the mother physically and emotionally for childbirth.
Why Preconceptional and Antenatal Care are Important
- Reduces Risk of Complications
Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or fetal growth restrictions can be managed effectively when detected early. - Ensures Healthy Fetal Development
Proper nutrition and timely ultrasounds help track whether the baby is developing well inside the womb. - Lowers Infant Mortality Rates
Medical research shows that women who receive adequate antenatal care have a significantly lower risk of delivering premature or underweight babies. - Prepares Parents Emotionally
Counseling helps parents understand what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth, reducing anxiety. - Builds Long-Term Health
Mothers who are guided well during pregnancy often recover faster postpartum and experience fewer long-term complications.
The Role of a Pediatric Surgeon in Antenatal Care
While obstetricians primarily manage pregnancy, pediatric surgeons often play a role in cases where congenital anomalies are detected. With advanced ultrasound and prenatal diagnostic techniques, many conditions such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, or neural tube defects can be identified before birth.
This allows:
- Parental Counseling – Helping parents understand the condition and possible treatments after delivery.
- Planning Delivery – Ensuring the baby is born in a center with surgical and NICU facilities.
- Timely Surgery – In some cases, surgery soon after birth improves survival and long-term outcomes.
This multidisciplinary approach—obstetricians, neonatologists, and pediatric surgeons working together—greatly enhances newborn survival rates.
Case Example – Why Early Counseling Matters
A couple in Thane visited my clinic during early pregnancy after an ultrasound showed possible esophageal atresia (a condition where the food pipe is not connected to the stomach). Through antenatal counseling, we prepared them emotionally and practically for what to expect. The delivery was planned at a hospital with neonatal surgical facilities.
After birth, the baby underwent successful surgery and is now growing well. Without antenatal detection, the condition could have led to life-threatening feeding difficulties. This case highlights how antenatal care and preconceptional counseling directly impact outcomes.
The journey to parenthood should begin with preparation, awareness, and medical guidance. Preconceptional counseling ensures that parents are ready for pregnancy, while antenatal care safeguards the health of both mother and baby during the crucial nine months.
As Dr. Apoorva Kulkarni, M.S., M.Ch. – Pediatric Surgeon in Thane, I strongly emphasize the importance of these steps. They not only improve pregnancy outcomes but also provide peace of mind to parents, knowing they are doing everything possible for their child’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When should couples seek preconceptional counseling?
Ideally, at least 3–6 months before planning pregnancy. This gives time to correct nutritional deficiencies, manage medical conditions, and update vaccinations. - How many antenatal visits are recommended during pregnancy?
A minimum of 8 antenatal visits are recommended by WHO, though many obstetricians may advise more depending on the mother’s health. - Can birth defects be detected before delivery?
Yes, many congenital anomalies can be detected through detailed ultrasounds, blood tests, and genetic screening during pregnancy. - Is antenatal care only for mothers with complications?
No, antenatal care is important for all pregnant women, even those with low-risk pregnancies, as it ensures continuous monitoring and prevention. - What role does diet play in antenatal care?
A balanced diet rich in folic acid, iron, protein, and calcium is essential for the baby’s development and the mother’s health. Nutritional counseling is a key part of antenatal visits.