Preconception Counselling

Abstract

It is quite often than not that in our day to day busy clinical schedules, we see patients with a spectrum of typical and atypical clinical presentations, sifting through investigation reports, OPD cards, radiology films, and case file documents.  There is nothing more disconcerting than the interruption of this train of clinical management of the patient when suddenly we see the “ pregnancy test: POSITIVE” report and with that typical incredulous look we give the patient, physician and patient are left with a grey zone of uncertainty and certain anxiety.  It is up to us doctors to avoid these very “oops” moments and be comprehensively aware that in all our clinical and allied specialties, a couple or the individual partner who comes with reproductive potential is necessarily to be counseled about wellness and healthy outcomes with regard to getting pregnant and health implications therein.  It is pertinent to say that such patients be counseled appropriately about treatment if they wish to conceive or to take the correct type of contraception if pregnancy is not intended or contraindicated.