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Preconception planning: Is your body ready for pregnancy?
Do you have a family history of any specific medical conditions?
Sometimes family medical history — either your history or your partner's — increases the risk of having a child who has certain medical conditions or birth defects. If genetic disorders are a concern, your health care provider may refer you to a genetic counselor for a preconception assessment.
How old are you?
After age 35, the risk of fertility problems, miscarriage and certain chromosomal disorders increases. Some pregnancy-related problems, such as gestational diabetes, are more common in older mothers as well. Your health care provider can help you put these risks into perspective, as well as develop a plan to give your baby the best start.
Have you been pregnant before?
Your health care provider will ask about previous pregnancies. Be sure to mention any complications you may have had, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, premature birth or birth defects. If you had a previous pregnancy involving a neural tube defect, your health care provider may recommend a higher daily dose of folic acid than what's found in most prenatal vitamins for at least one month before conception.
If you have any concerns or fears about another pregnancy, share them with your health care provider. He or she will help you identify the best ways to boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Would your current lifestyle support a healthy pregnancy?
Healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy are essential. Your health care provider will likely discuss the importance of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and keeping stress under control. If you're underweight or overweight, your health care provider may recommend addressing your weight before you conceive. It's also important to avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and exposure to toxic substances. If you smoke, ask your health care provider about resources to help you quit.
What about your partner's lifestyle?
If possible, have your partner attend the preconception visit with you. Your partner's health and lifestyle — including family medical history and risk factors for infections or birth defects — are important because they can affect you and your baby.
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- Dunlop A, et al. National recommendations for preconception care: The essential role of the family physician. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2007;20:81.
- Preconception care questions and answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/preconception/QandA.htm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
- Lu MC, et al. Recommendations for preconception care. American Family Physician. 2007;76:397.
- Brundage S. Preconception health care. American Family Physician. 2002;65:2507.
- Cleary-Goldman J, et al. Impact of maternal age on obstetric outcome. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2005;105:985.
- Routine prenatal care. Bloomington, Minn.: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. http://www.icsi.org/prenatal_care_4/prenatal_care__routine__full_version__2.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2010.
- Preconception risk reduction: Folic acid. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/19695_1151.asp. Accessed Feb. 5, 2010.
- Preconception care: Your checkup before pregnancy. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/173_27541.asp. Accessed Feb. 5, 2010.
- Kottke M. Nondaily contraceptive options: User benefits, potential for high continuation and counseling issues. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 2008;63:661.
- Nelson AL. Combined oral contraceptives. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media, Inc.; 2007:1.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Accessed Feb. 9, 2010.
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