What is preconception counselling?

Preconception counselling is when a woman visits a doctor's office to talk about things that might affect her ability to get pregnant and have a healthy baby. During preconception counselling, risks are identified and a plan is made to reduce them. During this counselling, the doctor will look at the woman's medical history, suggest changes to her lifestyle, and suggest tests.

When to decide on a preconception counselling appointment

If you plan to conceive a child, scheduling a preconception counselling appointment can be beneficial.

Here are some points to consider when deciding on a preconception counselling appointment:

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medications, discussing this with your healthcare provider before conception is crucial.
If you have experienced previous pregnancy complications, such as preterm labour or miscarriage, preconception counselling can help identify any potential risks and develop a plan to mitigate them.
Preconception counselling can provide information about potential risks and testing options if you or your partner have a family history of genetic disorders.

What are the goals of preconception counselling?

Preconception counselling aims to achieve the following goals:

Identify and mitigate potential risks to maternal and foetal health before conception.
Optimise the woman's health status and address any pre-existing medical conditions.
Guide lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Discuss genetic risks and offer testing options, if appropriate.
Provide education on fertility and optimal timing for conception.

What does your healthcare provider discuss with you during preconception counselling?

During this process, your healthcare provider will discuss the following:

Medical History: Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and ask about any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues, that could impact pregnancy.

Medications: Your healthcare provider will review any current medications, including over-the-counter supplements, that may impact pregnancy.

Lifestyle Changes: Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, or quitting smoking or drinking to help prepare for pregnancy.

Genetic Screening: Your healthcare provider may recommend genetic testing to determine if there is a risk for any hereditary diseases or conditions.

Prenatal Vitamins: Your healthcare provider may recommend prenatal vitamins to ensure you get enough of the essential nutrients needed during pregnancy.

What does preconception counselling involve?

These are some crucial considerations in preconception counselling:

Your reproductive history (pregnancies, contraception, and STDs) will be addressed to create a pregnancy health plan.
Discussing prior surgeries with your doctor influences future surgery plans and procedures.
Discussing your weight with your doctor and reaching your optimal weight can significantly impact your health throughout pregnancy.
Your doctor will review your nutrition and create a pregnancy diet that you must follow.

How to manage chronic health concerns while pregnant

Get prenatal care early and often.

Your doctor will monitor each prenatal visit. After you're pregnant, call your prenatal care provider to arrange your first visit.

Maintain illness treatment.

See all your disease-treating physicians. Prenatal care doesn't excuse skipping checkups. Remember that your providers are part of your team and are crucial to your pregnancy care.

Plan for postpartum care.

This strategy prepares you for postpartum medical care. Your physician will advise you on your first postpartum care checkup. After giving birth, a doctor checks your recovery.

Nursing preparations.

Ask your doctor how your health affects breastfeeding. Breast milk is the most effective baby food for the first year.

What happens after the counselling appointment?

After counselling, people become interested. You may feel relieved, and emotional after your discoveries. Knowing what to do after counselling can help you absorb and integrate what you learned to continue your recovery.

After a therapy session, the following things may occur:

Reflection:

Meditate on the session's lessons and effects.

Action steps:

Your therapist may have suggested journaling, mindfulness, or an alternative coping strategy during the session.

Recheck:

Your situation and treatment may need follow-up sessions.

Feelings:

After a therapy session, you may feel emotional, mainly if you have learned difficult truths or confronted painful memories.

Integration:

Counselling may help you integrate your thoughts and beliefs into your life, but it takes time.

Preconception counselling promotes healthy pregnancies and reduces the chance of difficulties for the mother and baby. It lets couples share their reproductive health history with experts.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Jayanagar. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. How do you prepare for preconception counselling?

Record your periods and ovulation, perform sexual intercourse during the fertile window, and collect information regarding your medical past and that of your partner.

2. What are the critical concepts of preconception care?

The critical components of preconception counselling or care are risk assessment, medical and psychosocial interventions, and health promotion.

3. What is a preconception checkup?

A preconception checkup assists your healthcare provider in ensuring that your body is ready for pregnancy.

4. What are some of the topics covered during preconception counselling?

Preconception counselling may cover topics such as optimizing health and nutrition, managing chronic medical conditions, identifying and managing genetic risks, assessing and managing medications and other exposures, and discussing fertility and pregnancy planning.

5. Who typically provides preconception counselling?

Preconception counselling can be provided by various healthcare providers, including obstetricians/gynecologists, family medicine physicians, midwives, or genetic counsellors.