Health factors: Diseases and Tests
Some conditions or diseases can be particularly devastating to a developing foetus, so it is important to take these factors into consideration before commencing infertility treatment or trying to conceive. By taking the necessary precautions you can minimize the risks during any potential pregnancy. You should seek to take the relevant tests and speak to your doctor where you are unsure if you may be afflicted with some of the following conditions.
Hepatitis B and C
Either parent can potentially pass on hepatitis B or C to the growing foetus. One possible outcome of this is major liver disease. The hepatitis can be contracted by the foetus through the regular secretions of men and women, and you should note that whichever adult is carrying the virus may be entirely free of symptoms. Take a blood test before trying to conceive or attempting any infertility treatment.
Rubella
Rubella infection is the German measles and can theoretically lead to abnormalities in a foetus if the mother has the infection in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is common practice to vaccinate women against Rubella while in their teenage years; you should check whether you received the vaccination. However, this does not always provide lifelong immunity, and you can easily check by requesting a blood test before attempting to conceive. A simple immunisation is available, which should be requested 2 months before trying to conceive.
Diabetes
Certain forms of diabetes are sometimes known to develop in the mother during pregnancy, and this can lead to damaging complications. You can be screened for diabetes, which is especially important if the mother has a history of diabetes in the family (in this case the mild, late-appearing diabetes is of most concern). A glucose tolerance test is used to check for the disease, and you should always speak to your doctor if anyone in your family has suffered from diabetes.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is relatively uncommon, but when the infection is passed to a foetus there is a significant risk of brain and other organ damage to the baby. Especially at risk are couples living with cats or dogs, as these can carry the parasites. Steer clear from dirty cat litter as much as possible during pregnancy and while trying to conceive, wearing gloves and washing extensively if you must come into contact with such things. Also avoid newborn lambs and their mothers, and always wash thoroughly before and after handling any pet or its food. Be careful when handling and heating raw meat, sticking to all the usual safety guidelines.
X-rays
It is wise for the mother to avoid x-rays while attempting to conceive and during pregnancy itself, as the radiation they use can be harmful to the unborn baby. This is particularly true during the first, developmental stages of pregnancy. When trying to conceive, x-rays are safer during the first half of each monthly cycle, but if an x-ray is necessary then please speak to your doctor so they can advise you on the best date.