Thinking about getting pregnant is exciting — but it can also raise many questions. While it’s tempting to think all you need to do is stop using birth control and “see what happens,” a little planning before conception can make an important difference in your ability to conceive and your pregnancy health, too.
Desert Star Institute for Family Planning is a leading provider of pregnancy care as well as care focused on helping moms-to-be prepare themselves for their own “special delivery.” Here, DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, and her team review six important questions you should ask during your preconception visit to help you stay healthy and informed.
While many prescription medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs are safe for use during pregnancy, others may not be. This is an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked or delayed — some medications may cause birth defects, so making changes early is paramount.
It’s not just prescription medications that can cause problems either. Over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbs can pose risks, too. During your preconception visit, Dr. Taylor reviews everything you take to help you understand which medications and supplements are safe to continue, which should be changed, and whether safer alternatives are available.
Certain infections and medical conditions can affect pregnancy outcomes, even if you feel healthy. Depending on risk factors and other considerations, Dr. Taylor recommends lab testing or health screenings to detect infections or other conditions that could interfere with conception, fertility, or pregnancy.
Now is also a good time to update any needed vaccines. Vaccines help prevent illnesses and diseases — like measles or chicken pox — that could harm you or your baby if they occur during pregnancy.
If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, pressure, or an autoimmune disorder, optimizing control before pregnancy is especially important. Poorly managed conditions increase the risk of complications for both you and your developing baby.
Taking steps now to manage those problems helps ensure your body is healthy enough to support the added demands of pregnancy — and helps reduce stress and anxiety later on, too. By starting before conception, Dr. Taylor works with you to adjust your treatment plan and coordinate care with other specialists if needed.
Lifestyle factors play a major role in both fertility and pregnancy health. Your diet, exercise habits, caffeine intake, alcohol use, sleep habits, smoking and vaping, and even your stress levels can affect your ability to conceive and interfere with a healthy pregnancy later on.
There’s no denying pregnancy causes lots of changes. Making small changes now, before pregnancy, helps you get a running start on healthy behaviors that support fertility, conception, and pregnancy later on.
Sometimes called carrier screening, genetic screening helps identify your risk for certain inherited disorders that could affect your pregnancy or your baby’s long-term health. While family history can provide valuable clues, screening may still be recommended depending on other factors or your preferences.
Dr. Taylor explains what genetic screening involves, what conditions are commonly tested for, and whether testing may be helpful for you or for your partner. Understanding your options allows you to make informed decisions without added worry or anxiety.
Many couples think they’re going to get pregnant as soon as they start trying, but that’s not always the case. Data show that about 80% of couples conceive within 6 months of consistently trying, but the other 20% may take longer.
Generally, if you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months and you’re under 35 years old, it’s time to ask about fertility testing. If you’re over 35, testing may be appropriate after six months of trying.
A preconception visit isn’t just about getting your body ready for pregnancy — it’s about giving yourself and your baby the best possible foundation for a healthy future. To schedule your visit, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Taylor and the team at Desert Star Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, today.
