the preconception check-up

It’s a good idea to schedule a preconception check-up with your doctor at least three months before you try getting pregnant. When informed that pregnancy is in your plans, your doctor may flag certain health issues that can be resolved now. A preconception check-up also gives you the time to decide whether you want to stick with your current doctor through preconception and pregnancy.

what to expect at the preconception visit

The preconception check-up will reassure you that your body is healthy and ready for conception and pregnancy. It also gives you the chance to address any concerns you have about your diet, lifestyle or environment.

Your doctor will likely do a complete check-up, including a weigh-in, medical and family history, physical exam, gynecological exam and possibly blood tests. You may be asked about medical conditions in your family, allergies, childhood diseases, which prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbs you’re taking, and your smoking and drinking habits.

It is also important to have your vaccinations up to date before you get pregnant. You will be more vulnerable to infections during pregnancy, which can harm both you and your baby. Your doctor will advise you of any vaccinations you may need, and how long you’ll need to wait before you can safety try to conceive.

who’s who

There’s more than one type of doctor who can care for you before and throughout your pregnancy. Most women are cared for by an obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) who has formal medical training in obstetrics and gynecology and performs deliveries in a hospital. Some family practice physicians have also been specially trained to do deliveries. Certified nurse-midwifes or certified midwifes are trained to care for women from conception to after birth, and open up the option of having a home birth.

If you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes, severe asthma or an autoimmune disorder, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist may also be added to your healthcare team several months before you try to conceive. A perinatologist specializes in high-risk pregnancies, in which case you may have to deliver in a hospital different to the one you have chosen because of its specialized facilities or tests.

how to decide

You may not have a doctor, or perhaps you’re considering seeking a specialist for your journey. In any case, shopping for a new healthcare provider is akin to interviewing a prospective employee. How you choose will depend on your health needs, personal preferences and financial situation. It’s worth setting up interviews with several healthcare providers and asking them a series of questions, such as:

• What are your qualifications and training?
• How long have you been in practice?
• What facilities are available at the hospital where you deliver?
• How much time do you allow for prenatal visits?
• What are your philosophies and beliefs about birth?
• What is your availability? When are you planning holidays in the next 12 months?
• Who is your back-up and do I get to meet him or her?
• Who do I call for questions?
• What is your cesarean section rate?

A referral from your family or friends is a good place to start. But a healthcare provider good for someone else doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for you. It is worth taking the time to ask questions until you find someone who meets your needs and resonates with you. And remember, you’ll need to feel comfortable talking to your healthcare provider about any issues that might come up along the way.