I Want to Have a Baby: Should I Schedule a Preconception Visit?

Contributed by Sara Stringer

A healthy pregnancy starts before conception. When you and your partner have decided that you want to have a baby, it is a good idea to schedule a preconception visit while planning to conceive.

There are significant factors that contribute to your health and the health of your baby throughout the pregnancy. These factors will be discussed at length during your preconception visit. Expect to spend a good amount of time with your physician during this visit and consider looking for an obstetrician to address your needs. During the preconception visit, your physician may ask you questions relating to your medical history, your family medical history, current medications, and lifestyle habits.

Current State of Health and Medical History

There may be a chance that your physician recommends getting up to date on your vaccinations before your pregnancy. For this reason, and to get your health in top shape before pregnancy, it is recommended that you schedule a preconception visit about 3 months before you start trying to conceive.

Family Medical History

It is a good idea to talk to family members to collect your family medical history information before your appointment. If there is a history of specific medical conditions in your family, your healthcare provider may be able to test you for any conditions to which you may be predisposed, or provide you with preventative guidelines.

Depending on your age and certain factors in your family medical history, your physician may present you with the option of performing prenatal genetic tests after conception. If prenatal screening results show that you are at risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder, your physician will present you with prenatal diagnostic testing options. These options should be thoroughly discussed with your physician or with a genetic counselor.

Gynecological History

An important trend to document is your menstrual cycle. Your physician may want to make sure that you are getting regular periods and to know how long they last. If you aren’t already, start keeping track of your cycle and the length of each period. Your physician may also want to discuss any previous pregnancies or any history of miscarriages, as this information can be helpful in planning for your health and the health of your baby.

Current Medications

If you are currently on any medications, these need to be presented to your obstetrician, as some medications are not safe to take while pregnant. Make a list of all medications you are currently taking, including supplements, so that you can hand it to your physician on the day of your visit. Different forms of birth control may differ in how soon you can become pregnant after taking them, so discuss all forms of birth control you may have been using or are currently using.

Questions to Ask During a Preconception Visit

A preconception visit is not meant to be a one-way withdrawal of information. This is also a great opportunity for you to address any questions or concerns you may have. Some commonly asked questions during preconception visits are:

• What can my spouse and I do to increase our chances of getting pregnant?
• Is there a risk that my child may be born with a genetic condition? What types of tests are available to obtain this information?
• Do I need to change my exercise routine?
• Do I need to change any of my eating habits?
• Am I at risk for any complications during the pregnancy?

If you are planning on having a baby, now is the best time to start looking for a healthcare provider so you can schedule a preconception visit. Working with a healthcare provider before conception will arm you with lifestyle choices that are conducive to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.