Preconception Counseling
Family Planning in Denver, CO
Pre-conception counseling involves meeting with one of our providers prior to becoming pregnant. If you are planning to have a child, we suggest initiating this sort of counseling approximately three to six months prior to attempting conception. This allows enough time for mental and physical preparation and to identify and treat any underlying problems.
These counseling sessions primarily exist to identify any undetected illnesses or risk factors that could cause problems for both the mother and the fetus. Risk factors may include smoking, alcohol consumption or certain prescription or recreational drugs that can interfere with the fetus’ growth and development. Potential obstacles are addressed in questionnaires about the woman’s family history and current lifestyle. They include questions about the woman’s health, prior pregnancies, medical conditions and genetic background. In fact, genetic testing may be offered to patients during pre-conception counseling.
Laboratory tests such as blood work and urinalysis can identify other problems, such as anemia or a kidney infection, of which the woman may have been unaware. Other tests may include pelvic examination, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, and a mental health assessment. And, be sure to ask us about Zika virus restrictions and other considerations prior to planning travel.
After the counseling is completed, we will share the results and any recommendations for lifestyle changes to allow for the greatest level of safety and success in conception and fetal development.
High Risk Pregnancies
While complications could potentially happen in any pregnancy, a high-risk pregnancy is one in which there is a greater risk of complications. A pregnancy could be considered high-risk whenever the mother has one or more of the following risk factors:
- Age: Women who are younger than 18 or older than 35.
- Medical History: Certain health conditions, or coming from a family with a history of those conditions. These include, but are not limited to, diabetes, anemia, cancer, mental health problems and high blood pressure.
- Pregnancy History: Women who have had pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, prior C-sections and early labor.
- Pregnancy Complications: Women who develop certain pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, too much or too little amniotic fluid, or restricted fetal growth.
- Number of Babies: While twins are a blessing, they also put a woman at greater risk for complications.
- Infections: Infections such as HIV, Hepatitus C, Rubella and chickenpox. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, drinking, or using drugs.
Just because your pregnancy is considered high-risk does not mean that you won’t deliver a healthy and happy baby. It simply means that you will need to be even more careful, and that your provider will want to monitor you a little more closely to make sure that both you and your baby stay healthy.
If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, make sure to see your provider at Partners In Women’s Health regularly, eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise in moderation and avoid risky substances. Be sure to also keep the lines of communication open between you and your provider. Be truthful about your medical history and any symptoms that you have had or are having. Follow your provider’s advice and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Pregnancy should be a time of excitement. Take care of yourself and your baby and work closely with your provider, and chances are everything will turn out just fine!
