Preconception doctor’s visit – What is it and is it necessary?

Pregnancy, childbirth, and child rearing are important, exciting and miraculous parts in a woman’s life. These processes involve physical, emotional and mental changes. It is advisable to assess your current situation in terms of bodily and mental health and aspects of your lifestyle to help you prepare for these magical experiences.

It is advisable to see a gynaecologist once you decide to become pregnant or if it has happened it is advisable to book an appointment as soon as is possible. A gynaecologist will help you to work out what your choices are and what changes you may need to make in your health or lifestyle to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy delivery.

This visit is called a preconception doctor’s visit and as you can see can happen after conception if there is not time before. At this doctor’s appointment, your doctor will discuss with you your thoughts about being pregnant and having a baby. They will also look at your health history and discuss ways you can improve your overall health to maximise the outcomes for both you and your baby.

At this visit you can also discuss what kind of prenatal care options are available and work out a schedule that suits you. If you have any health concerns such as high blood pressure or diabetes this appointment gives you an opportunity to discuss these and come up with a course of action that can save many anxious or stressful months worrying about it.

A preconception visit is also the best time to check your immunity or resistance to chicken pox, rubella, or German measles by a simple blood test.

The doctor may discuss not only your health history but your family health history as well. She/he may also want to know the health history of the intended father. From this information the doctor can assess if there is any need for genetic testing.