Preconception Counseling
Preconception counseling is a consultation with your healthcare physician to plan for a future pregnancy. All aspects of your family history, risk factors, medical issues, and lifestyle are reviewed. This appointment is a critical component of a planned and healthy pregnancy.
A safe, healthy, and happy pregnancy begins long before a positive pregnancy test result. Taking care of your health before becoming pregnant can help you prepare for a pregnancy. Preconception counseling is a session with your healthcare practitioner during which you discuss various elements of pregnancy and make plans for a healthy pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider will cover the following issues during the visit:
Family history: Your family history, as well as your partner's, can provide information about any genetic problems or disorders that may be passed down to a kid. Understanding your medical history can assist future healthcare experts to treat you and your child. Specific aspects of your family's health history to share with your doctor may include:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Mental disorders
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Birth defects
- Ethnic-related diseases
- Twins or multiples
General medical history: It is critical for your provider to have a complete picture of your health prior to pregnancy. During your session, your caregiver will want to discuss any previous surgeries, hospitalizations, or transfusions.
- Any previous medical issues?
- Are there any allergies?
- Any drugs you are currently using?
Your OB/GYN history: During your medical history talk, your doctor will inquire about your OB/GYN history. Some sexually transmitted diseases and vaginal infections might impair a woman's ability to conceive. Cervical cultures or blood tests may be performed by your doctor to ensure that there are no infections that could cause problems during conception or pregnancy. Topics that your provider may discuss include:
- Pregnancies in the past
- Your menstrual cycle history.
- Use of contraception.
- Sexually transmitted diseases of any kind (STDs).
- Any previous history of uterine abnormalities.
- Pap smears or any other treatment for abnormal paps.
- Infections of the cervix.