The Benefits of Preconception Counseling

A healthy pregnancy starts well before conception. A preconception consultation offers health optimization and information to promote a successful pregnancy and delivery. 

Our team offers preconception and fertility counseling at OBGYN Westside, PLLC, on the Upper West Side of New York City as part of our holistic and patient-first approach. We recommend booking your preconception consultation at least three months before you start trying to get pregnant.

What to expect at your preconception consultation

During this visit, your doctor will discuss your general medical history and that of your partner and both of your families. Your provider will ask about your OB/GYN history, including previous pregnancies, menstrual history, and contraceptive use. 

You will also talk about your lifestyle and whether any changes need be made before trying to conceive, such as:

• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking or drinking
• Stopping certain medications that could be harmful to a pregnancy
• Updating your immunizations.
• Starting prenatal vitamins 

The physical examination portion of your appointment may involve the following:

• A pelvic exam
• Checking your blood pressure.
• Recording your weight
• Lab tests for rubella, hepatitis, a Pap smear, diabetes, HIV, and thyroid issues

Will I need genetic testing?

Genetic testing may be recommended. We offer this service to identify any potential genetic issues that may affect your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. By identifying these issues early on, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve a successful pregnancy. Genetic counseling can also determine specific risk factors to test for. Conditions such as Tay-Sachs and sickle trait/sickle cell disease can be passed down throughout families.

Is preconception counseling different than fertility counseling?

There is some overlap between these services. However, fertility counseling also focuses on optimizing your chances of becoming pregnant, especially if you have tried to conceive without success for a year or six months if you are over age 35.

Our team works with you to develop a personalized plan to address any issues that may be affecting your fertility. This might entail procedures to remove fibroids that block your fallopian tubes or medication to balance your hormones.

Fertility counseling also helps you understand the different treatment options available to you, such as:

• Medication, including hormone therapy
• Surgery to remove uterine fibroids or endometrial lesions
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI), along with fertility drugs 
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

What are your next steps?

Schedule a preconception or fertility counseling session if you’re ready to start or expand your family. Call our office or book an appointment online today.