Pre-pregnancy counselling helps prepare you physically and emotionally for pregnancy. It addresses potential risk factors and provides advice on health optimisation before conception.
During the session, your doctor may discuss:
- Reproductive history: Menstrual patterns, previous infections or abnormal Pap test results.
- Medical/surgical history: Any ongoing or past conditions and treatments.
- Medications: Prescription and non-prescription drugs or supplements you're currently taking.
- Weight: Advice on achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy.
- Environment: Risks in the home or workplace such as radiation or chemical exposure.
- Lifestyle: Alcohol, smoking, drug use, and how these affect fertility and pregnancy.
- Exercise: Review your activity levels and suggest safe pregnancy exercise habits.
- Diet: Advice on nutrient intake and limiting substances like caffeine.
- Family health history: Discuss hereditary conditions or multiple births.
- Prenatal vitamins: You may be advised to begin folic acid supplements.
- Age-related advice: Women over 35 may receive additional guidance regarding risks.
Additional assessments may include physical exams, lab tests, menstrual cycle tracking, immunisation updates, or genetic counselling.
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