Pre-pregnancy check-up in Vasco: tests, folic acid and planning

Medically reviewed by our consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (MBBS, MS OBG). Last reviewed: 10 November 2026.

Why have a check-up before trying for a baby?

The baby's brain, spine and heart start forming in the first two months of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Anything that can be improved, such as low haemoglobin, a thyroid problem, high blood sugar or a missing vaccine, should ideally be put right before that time. A check-up also gives you a chance to ask questions and plan calmly, rather than finding a problem at the first antenatal visit.

It is useful for every couple, and especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, epilepsy, PCOS, a past miscarriage or a difficult earlier pregnancy, or if you take regular medicines.

When should I start folic acid?

Folic acid, a B vitamin, lowers the chance of the baby's spine and brain not forming properly. Start it at least one month, and ideally about three months, before you start trying, and continue it through the first three months of pregnancy. Some women, for example those with diabetes, epilepsy or a past baby with a spine problem, need a higher strength, so ask the doctor which tablet is right for you rather than picking one at the chemist.

Which tests are done before pregnancy?

The doctor chooses the tests to suit you. A usual set includes:

• Haemoglobin and blood count, to look for anaemia, which is common and easy to treat before pregnancy; see blood count tests.
• Blood group and Rh type, so that the team knows ahead of time if you are Rh negative.
• Thyroid test (TSH), because an under-active or over-active thyroid can affect ovulation and pregnancy; see thyroid tests in Vasco and thyroid problems in pregnancy.
• Blood sugar or HbA1c, to find diabetes and get it under control before conceiving; see blood sugar and HbA1c tests.
• Rubella (German measles) immunity, because rubella in early pregnancy can harm the baby.
• Screening for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis, which can pass to the baby and can be managed when known early.
• Thalassaemia or sickle cell screening where the family background or the blood count suggests it.
• Vitamin D and B12 if the doctor thinks they may be low; see vitamin D, B12 and iron tests.
• A Pap smear if your cervical screening is due; see the Pap smear test.

These tests are available through the Pai Hospital Laboratory, inside the hospital in Vaddem, Vasco-da-Gama, which is open 24 hours, every day. The blood count, blood sugar, HbA1c, thyroid and vitamin D tests are done in-house; some specialised tests are sent to a partner laboratory and take longer, and the laboratory will tell you which ones.

What if the rubella test shows I am not protected?

The doctor may advise the rubella (MMR) vaccine. After this vaccine, you are asked to avoid becoming pregnant for one month, which is another reason to have the check-up a few months ahead. The doctor may also talk to you about the hepatitis B vaccine.

Should my husband be checked too?

Yes, his health matters as well. Smoking, alcohol, weight and some medicines can affect sperm, and it takes around three months for new sperm to form, so changes made now help. If you have been trying for some time, a semen analysis is a simple first test; read about the male fertility test in Goa.

Is an AMH test part of the check-up?

Not for everyone. An AMH test gives an idea of the egg reserve, and the doctor may suggest it if you are in your thirties, have irregular periods, or have had surgery on the ovaries. It does not tell whether you will conceive, so have it done when a doctor will explain it.

What about my medicines and health conditions?

Bring a list of every medicine and supplement you take. Some medicines for blood pressure, epilepsy, acne or other conditions are not suitable in pregnancy and may need to be changed before you start trying. Please do not stop any regular medicine on your own; talk to the doctor first. Diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid disease should be well controlled before a pregnancy begins; read about high-risk pregnancy care.

What else can I do to prepare?

• Aim for a healthy weight; being much under or over weight can upset ovulation and raises risks in pregnancy.
• Stop smoking and alcohol, and avoid chewing tobacco and gutkha.
• Eat a varied diet with green vegetables, pulses, fruit, and iron-rich foods.
• Have a dental check, because gum problems are harder to treat in pregnancy.
• Know your cycle; read how to get pregnant for the fertile window.

What happens after I become pregnant?

Book your first antenatal visit soon after a positive test; read your first antenatal visit. If a pregnancy does not happen within about a year of trying, or about six months from the age of 35, the same team can begin the check-up for both partners; see fertility care in Goa.

Where can I have a pre-pregnancy check-up in Vasco?

At Pai Hospital, Vaddem, Vasco-da-Gama. Consultations are held Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 7 pm, by appointment. Bring old reports, the list of your medicines and, if possible, your vaccination record. See gynaecologist in Vasco and directions on our contact page. Written and reviewed by the Pai Hospital Team.

Your questions

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This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.