Pre-Pregnancy Care
Pre-pregnancy care is health care you receive before trying to conceive. The goal is to prepare your body and mind for a healthy pregnancy and baby. This care includes preconception counseling and, when needed, fertility evaluations.
Preconception Counseling
Preconception counseling is a visit with your doctor to prepare for pregnancy. During this visit, your overall health and lifestyle are reviewed, and any factors that might affect fertility or pregnancy are addressed.
Topics often covered include:
- Medical review: Managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders before pregnancy
- Medications: Checking that current medicines and supplements are safe for pregnancy
- Nutrition: Starting prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, to lower the risk of birth defects
- Vaccinations: Updating immunizations to protect both parent and baby
- Family history and genetics: Considering screening for inherited conditions
- Lifestyle habits: Encouraging healthy eating, exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol use
- Emotional well-being: Supporting mental health and readiness for pregnancy
This visit is an opportunity to ask questions, create a plan, and feel prepared to begin your pregnancy journey.
