Preconception Counseling
Having a safe, healthy and happy pregnancy starts long before you have a positive result on a test. So if you are planning to start or expand your family, preconception counselling can help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy or even increase your chances of getting pregnant.
When should I schedule an appointment?You should consider scheduling a preconception counselling session at least three months before you start trying to conceive.
What happens during a preconception counselling appointment?Dr Zandile Dunn will talk to you about your family history, general medical history, OB/GYN history, and overall lifestyle during your appointment.
In addition to these discussions, your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and run lab tests to screen you for any underlying diseases or conditions that may make it more challenging for you to get pregnant.
Following the discussion and tests, your doctor may make several suggestions to increase your chances of getting pregnant. These suggestions can include:
- Taking recommended vitamins, including prenatal vitamins
- You and your partner go through genetic counselling, especially if you have a family history of genetic conditions.
- Avoiding extra stress
- Quitting smoking or drinking
- Losing or gaining weight
- Updating immunisations
- Seeing specialists for health problems before conceiving
