Becoming a parent can be the most rewarding event in your lifetime but preparation is essential to make wise decisions
that will benefit both you health and that of your baby. If you are planning to become pregnant within the next six
months, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment to discuss what recommendations your health care professional may suggest,
to make your experience a happy, healthy one!
Many women to not realize they are pregnant until several weeks after conception. During these important weeks
of fetal development, many changes are occuring in both your body and that of your fetus. During this time the baby's
organs are being formed so it is essential that the mother prevent any controllable harm to her fetus.
If you do choose to schedule a preconceptual counseling appointment with one of our practitioners, please research your
family's health history before the appointment. Below is a list of some of the issues that will be discussed at this
appointment:
- Previous pregnancy outcomes if applicable
- Types of medication you are currently taking
- Types of medication you have taken in the past few months
- Alcohol, smoking or any street drugs you are currently using
- Your past medical history, including any diseases you may have had in the past, any sexually transmitted diseases, or
abnormal pap tests.
- Your family's medical history (any children born with any hereditary disorders)
- If you are currently on oral contraceptives or Depo Provera injection.
- Vitamins and folic acid
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Nutrition and exercise information
- Indoor pets
- Current weight issues
- Record of your menstrual cycles for the past several months
- Any type of surgeries you have had in the past
- Advance maternal age
- History of repeated miscarriages
- Other issues you would like to discuss
