Preconception Education
Our staff can help you make informed decisions about conception and planning for a healthy pregnancy. Scheduling a separate appointment will allow ample time to discuss fertility planning, health decisions and practices before you get pregnant and problem-solving when there are issues with infertility.
Preconception Appointment
To help ensure a healthy pregnancy, schedule a preconception appointment with your provider as soon as you begin thinking about pregnancy. A preconception appointment is important if you are in your 20′s, 30s or 40s or you have any chronic health conditions or special concerns. We will review your health risks together at this visit.
With frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within one year. Understanding when you’re most fertile can make getting pregnant easier. It is also important to consider simple do’s and don’ts of conception. For example, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet and have sex regularly — especially near the time of ovulation. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
At your preconception appointment, our providers will also review your ethnic background and optional genetic testing to have done before you become pregnant. These include tests for sickle cell, thalassemia, and a panel of diseases that are more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish background.
I Need Direction on My Path to Pregnancy
For some couples, pregnancy happens without much effort; for others, there are more challenges and the process can be frustrating. The Women’s Group of Northwestern has extensive experience advising couples on infertility issues.
At your infertility consultation, our providers will review your menstrual history, obstetric history and any chronic health conditions for you and your partner. The initial evaluation will include blood tests, hysterosalpingogram and semen analysis for your partner. After a thorough evaluation, your provider will develop a plan that meets your needs or refer you to an excellent Reproductive Endocrinologist.
Additional resources for your convenience please review:
One of our valued resources for patient education is the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s fertility website. Here you will find many links to fertility topics that can help you understand the pregnancy journey.
I am Pregnant – What is Next?
Congratulations! Call the office to schedule your confirmation of pregnancy visit with one of our mid-level providers. This visit at the Women’s Group of Northwestern should be scheduled about 1 week after your missed period and you have obtained a positive urine pregnancy test.
