What is a pre-conception check up you might ask…Well a pre-conception check up is a consultation with your doctor about your plan to become pregnant and what you need to do to help prepare your body for an impending pregnancy. This type of thing would have been unheard of a generation ago. Most women wouldn’t have scheduled an appointment to see the doctor until pregnancy was confirmed by a home pregnancy test, or at least expected due to a missed period or two. And that may remain true for some women today, but more and more woman are beginning to understand the importance of being healthy before you become pregnant, and giving your child the best chance from the very beginning.

Times have changed since our parents were born, and even since we were born. Women today are focusing more on planning pregnancies into their lives instead of just letting nature take its course. And since more is known about the affects our lifestyle can have on the baby very early on in the pregnancy more women want to do whatever they can to ensure a healthy pregnancy from the get go. Women today are making appointments with their OB/GYN to discuss what they should do to prepare their bodies for pregnancy, getting physicals to make sure they are in tip top shape and don’t have any health issues that need to be addressed prior to conception.

I actually just had a pre-conception appointment with my OB/GYN. It wasn’t a hugely involved ordeal since he has been my doctor for several years now and knows my background fairly well, but it was very helpful. We discussed many topics including how my health prior to conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy can have a huge impact on the developing fetus. The early weeks and months of pregnancy are some of the most important when it comes to development so it is important to start out as healthy as you can.

When you visit with your doctor for your pre-conception check up here are some important things you want to make sure to discuss.

  • Discuss any pre-existing health problems you have and what impact those may have on your pregnancy or ability to get pregnant. Your doctor will advise you as to what needs to be addressed before you start trying to conceive, and what health issues may impact your fertility.
  • Discuss what current medications you are taking, either prescription or over the counter and determine what changes need to be made prior to conception and during pregnancy.
  • Discuss your doctor’s recommendation for when you should begin taking a prenatal vitamin. Some caregivers will suggest you begin taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as you start trying to conceive since studies have shown the importance of folic acid to a developing embryo in the first weeks of pregnancy. A prenatal vitamin contains the recommended dose of folic acid, and other key vitamins and minerals necessary for fetal development.
  • Discuss your use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, etc. Your doctor will want you to stop consuming all of them and will be able to help you quit if you are unable to do so on your own. Alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs can all damage a fetus during develop so quitting before you become pregnant is very important.
  • Your doctor will discuss your medical, gynecological, and family history to determine if there is anything in your past that may hinder your ability to conceive or impact the pregnancy once you do conceive. It is important to be perfectly honest with your doctor.
  • Ask you doctor for recommendations regarding fitness and nutrition both while you are trying to conceive and once you become pregnant. Discuss any concerns you have regarding your current diet and exercise regiment.

A pre-pregnancy check up is a great way to establish rapport with your caregiver prior to conception. It will also give you a good idea if the two of you are on the same page philosophically about pregnancy and conception. If you identify any potential issues you will have a chance to hash those out, or change providers before you become pregnant.

It is always easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle than it is to begin one. By getting a head start on healthy eating and exercise, and dealing with any chronic health issues before you become pregnant you will have a much better chance of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

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