Preconception Counselling & Pregnancy Planning
Preconception counselling and pregnancy planning are important steps for individuals or couples wanting to start a family. These services provide crucial guidance and support, ensuring that your body is prepared for pregnancy, minimising potential risks, and maximising the chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy.
What is Preconception Counselling and Planning?
Preconception counselling involves meeting with a healthcare provider before becoming pregnant. During these consultations, various aspects of health are evaluated. This process helps identify potential risks, provides advice on optimising health, and allows for necessary interventions to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
When Should I Visit a Specialist?
It’s advisable to schedule a preconception counselling appointment several months before planning to conceive. This proactive approach allows ample time to address existing health issues, optimise nutrition, adjust medications if necessary, and make lifestyle changes. If you have specific health concerns or chronic conditions, it’s especially important to seek preconception counselling to manage these conditions effectively during pregnancy.
What is Involved in Counselling and Planning?
During these consultations, you can discuss various topics, including:
- Nutrition and supplements: Ensuring a balanced diet and discussing the need for prenatal vitamins promotes healthy pregnancies.
- Medical history and existing conditions: Managing chronic illnesses and assessing potential genetic risks is important. Dr Hankins can recommend interventions to control medical conditions that could impact pregnancy outcomes, and guide appropriate medication use.
- Lifestyle factors: Addressing smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins can help remove risks.
- Vaccinations: Ensuring that vaccinations are up-to-date is important.
- Genetic counselling: Genetic counselling can be beneficial if there is a family history of genetic disorders or if you are carriers of certain conditions.
- Mental and emotional well-being: Addressing stress, anxiety, or depression and providing support if needed is essential.
- Fertility concerns: Discussing concerns about fertility and potential interventions is important if required.
By proactively addressing these factors, preconception counselling aims to create the healthiest possible environment for conception and a successful pregnancy. It’s a proactive step toward ensuring a smooth and healthy journey into parenthood.
Book a Consultation
Schedule a preconception counselling appointment with Dr Kelly Hankins today