Preconceptual Counseling

Preconceptual Counseling Q&A

What is preconception counseling?

Preconception counseling occurs during an appointment with your physician at Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates. During your appointment, you plan for future pregnancy, have tests to identify any risks, and learn about how to enhance your health and fertility.

Most preconception counseling appointments include a review of your medical history, a physical exam, testing, and education.

Medical history review

Your physician begins by reviewing your medical history to identify any risk factors for conditions that could interfere with your fertility, cause pregnancy complications, or be passed to your child. 

Your doctor might ask about:

• Twins or other multiple pregnancies

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Mental disorders

• Vision impairment and blindness

• Hearing loss

• Congenital disabilities

Your doctor might also ask about diseases like Tay-Sachs or sickle cell disease. 

Physical exam and testing

The doctor also performs a physical exam and vaccination review. The doctors check your heart, lungs, thyroid, abdomen, and breasts. Your doctor also performs a pelvic exam and Pap smear. 

They run lab tests for diseases such as hepatitis, thyroid disease, and HIV as well as standard testing such as a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and cholesterol screening. They check your weight and discuss your diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and drug use. 

Education

After thoroughly evaluating your health, your doctor provides advice and information on how to optimize your health to prepare for pregnancy. They might recommend weight loss or smoking cessation programs. 

Your doctor also teaches you how to chart your menstrual cycles and identify when you ovulate. They often recommend prenatal vitamins, including folic acid and DHA, which support healthy pregnancies. 

Why is preconception counseling important?

Your body changes significantly while a new life grows inside of you. Taking time to enhance your wellness and start healthy habits before you get pregnant can help you have a more successful pregnancy. You also create a better environment for your baby. 

When should I have preconception counseling?

Ideally, you should have your preconception counseling appointment at least three months before you start to try to become pregnant. This gives you plenty of time to make the changes needed to improve your health. 

Call Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates or make an appointment online for preconception counseling.