When Aparna and Praveen, both software professionals, decided to get married, they also resolved to get tested to see if they were in good health.
“Most couples are a bit scared to get a health check-up before marriage, but we thought it would be better to have one,” explains Praveen.
Doctors say many software professionals have started undergoing pre-marital health screenings to identify potential risks during future pregnancies. Many hospitals also perform fertility tests along with other blood markers.
“A number of my friends and colleagues have been discussing the option with their future partners. It is not a question of only screening for HIV/AIDS or STDs, which is what people assume. The tests can help identify possible complications,” he says.
According to neonatologist Deepa Hariharan, a pre-marital health check-up can help counsel partners on possible complications. “If people check just their blood sugar levels before marriage, managing their pregnancies can be much easier,” she says.
“Once a screening is done, the future course of action is easier to plan,” Dr. Hariharan adds
