Preconception Counseling

Having a healthy pregnancy starts before you conceive with preconception counseling. Board-certified maternal fetal medicine specialist, Pushpinder Dhillon, MD, MS, FACOG, and the team at Maternal Fetal Specialists in Fredericksburg and Springfield, Virginia, provide women with preconception counseling to help them prepare their bodies for pregnancy. To schedule your preconception counseling appointment, call the office nearest you to book your visit today.

What is preconception counseling?

Preconception counseling is one of the many medical services offered at Maternal Fetal Specialists to help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy from the moment of conception.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting mothers. But it also places a lot of stress on your body. Your preconception counseling appointment reviews your current health and lifestyle habits, as well as your family history, and provides guidance to help you prepare your body for pregnancy. 

When should I schedule my preconception counseling?

Talk to your primary care physician or ob-gyn to be referred to Maternal Fetal Specialists for preconception counseling.

Though you don’t need years to prepare your body for pregnancy, you should schedule your preconception counseling appointment about three months before you plan on trying to get pregnant. 

This gives you enough time to make healthy changes to your habits and lifestyle to improve your overall wellness. 

What can I expect during my preconception counseling?

You can expect a thorough evaluation when you visit Maternal Fetal Specialists for a preconception counseling appointment. The goal of the appointment is to fully understand your overall health and medical history to ensure your pregnancy gets off to a healthy start.

During your preconception counseling appointment, your provider reviews your medical, gynecological, and sexual history. They also ask questions about your lifestyle, including diet and exercise habits, as well as the use of alcohol and tobacco. 

Your provider then conducts a physical exam and pelvic ultrasound to assess your overall health and wellness, as well as screen for health issues that may affect your pregnancy, such as genetic disorders, diabetes, and high blood pressure. 

After your examination, your provider spends time talking to you about the steps you can take to improve the chances of conception and your pregnancy experience. 
These suggestions may include some or all of the following:

• Prenatal vitamin
• Nutrition therapy
• Weight loss
• Exercise program
• Abstinence from alcohol and smoking
• Stress management

The team at Maternal Fetal Specialists may also suggest genetic counseling and testing if there are concerns about genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, that run in your family or your partner’s family. 

Preconception counseling is a great way to ensure your pregnancy starts off right. Call Maternal Fetal Specialists to request an appointment today.