Guest Author - Ellen Winick

As you begin to consider having a baby, it is time for mom to schedule an appointment with her medical practitioner for a preconception check-up. Not only is this important to help mom learn how to take care of herself prior to getting pregnant, but also to rule out any health issues which might affect mom’s ability to conceive.


At this appointment, your healthcare provider may:

- Talk with you about your plans to conceive and answer your questions.
- Ask you questions about your lifestyle and recommend any necessary changes.
- Conduct a physical exam and if appropriate, recommend any necessary treatment. The physical exam may include a breast exam for lumps (your breasts will change during pregnancy so it is good to have a preventative exam at this time), a urine test to screen for infections or diabetes, a blood test to determine if you are anemic or have any sexually transmitted diseases, and a pap smear and pelvic exam.
- Review any medications you are currently taking and recommend any necessary modifications.
- Answer any questions about chronic health conditions which might interfere with having a baby.
- Discuss your gynecological and obstetrical history.
- Find out if your mother took a drug called DES that can be tied to difficulties conceiving or carrying a baby to term.
- Discuss whether or not you have had chicken pox or German measles or whether or not you would want to update any immunizations to avoid complications during pregnancy.
- Help you determine whether or not to meet with a genetic counselor. Genetic counseling can be helpful for those couples who come from a family or ethnic origin which is tied to certain diseases as well as mothers who are over 35 and/or those who want to know whether or not their babies may be at risk of genetic problems.

If you have a gynecologist or other practitioner you see regularly and are happy with that person, you could use them for your preconception visit. If, however, you are not happy with that person or they are not a women’s health specialist or obstetrician, now is a good time to find someone with whom you want to work through your conception, pregnancy, and birth. This visit can be a good opportunity to get to know a new practitioner and determine if you like them enough to use them for your pregnancy care.