How much thought have you given to family planning? When you work with your Bloomington, IL, OB/GYN at Advanced Women's Healthcare, you improve your chance of creating a family that meets your needs. From emotions and simple preferences to budgeting and timing, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to expanding your family. That’s why Dr. Dele Ogunleye, Dr. Lisa Emm, and Dr. Angela Baja are strong believers in the value of preconception counseling.
What is Preconception Counseling?
Preconception counseling is a medical consultation designed to assess your pregnancy risks and needs. It’s the first step to planning a pregnancy that maximizes health for you and the baby. If you have any fertility issues or questions about pregnancy, your doctor will address those during this appointment.
What to Expect at Your Preconception Counseling Appointment
Your Bloomington, IL, OB/GYN will take a complete family and medical history, if they don’t already have that information on file. They will assess your current medical condition and ask questions regarding your lifestyle. These questions are designed to identify potential risk factors for pregnancy.
After collecting information, your OB/GYN will suggest lifestyle changes and further testing. The goal is to improve your health and wellbeing so that you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. You can use the information presented in this appointment to set yourself and your baby up for great health.
Potential Pregnancy Risk Factors
Preconception counseling can highlight a variety of risk factors for your future pregnancy, including:
- Cigarette, alcohol, drug use
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Age
- Fertility concerns
- Autoimmune disease
- Uncontrolled health conditions
If you go into pregnancy without this awareness, you could experience a high-risk pregnancy. You may also have more difficulty with conception, especially with uncontrolled medical conditions or fertility issues.
Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy
After your initial preconception counseling appointment, you can continue working with your OB/GYN to get ready for a healthy pregnancy. You may take daily action to improve your lifestyle, which will increase your chances of conception right now.
You may also need further testing and follow-up care with your OB/GYN or another medical provider. The goal is to improve your health so that you conceive a baby easily and then carry that baby to the full term with as few complications as possible.
Are you ready to plan for a new baby? Start by scheduling an appointment with a trustworthy, compassionate OB/GYN in Bloomington, IL. Call (309) 808-3068 to book your appointment with Dr. Emm, Dr. Baja, or Dr. Ogunleye at Advanced Women's Healthcare. We look forward to helping you with all aspects of family planning.