The Aims Of Preconception Care

Preconception care is meant to help women get into best possible reproductive health before they conceive. By getting your act together in terms of your own health, you are setting the ground for a healthy pregnancy and a successful pregnancy outcome.

During a preconception care appointment, a healthcare professional will focus on existing risk factors as well as conditions that might have a negative effect on a woman, her ability to conceive, or on a pregnancy, should she conceive. Despite what you may have thought, even a woman who has had a baby in the past still needs to get into good reproductive shape before having another one. So say the current recommendations as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Lifestyle Habits

During a preconception care visit, your physician will look at your lifestyle habits and preexisting health problems. Your physician will question you about alcohol consumption and whether you take any prescription drugs. In the case of prescription medications, your physician will want to think about whether it is safe for you to continue these medications while trying to get pregnant and throughout a subsequent pregnancy, or whether he should switch you to some other medication that is deemed safer for a growing fetus and a mother-to-be.

Before Conception

The aim of preconception care is to bring to a state of excellent preconception health prior to conception. This goal necessitates making sure the woman is in a safe environment, has access to excellent medical care, and has a network of supportive people and experts in the wings.

In addition, the woman who partakes of preconception care receives information on how to improve her lifestyle both at home and in the workplace. It is hoped that all factors and conditions that might prove harmful to a mother and baby are eliminated before they are able to pose a problem.

Counseling is also offered during preconception care. Women are advised on how to avoid those substances that may damage their health of that of their future babies. They are taught to protect themselves from developing a drug or alcohol habit. The counselor will also educate women and their partners about domestic violence, genetic risk factors, and mental health issues. These are factors which may have an impact on a future pregnancy and so they are addressed during preconception care visits.