Preconceptual Counseling

[colleen10]

Hi everyone,

I am a nursing student just beginning my second semester which starts with Maternity.

I have a question for you that is not covered in my Maternity book and I would sort of like to know for myself when I decide to have children.

I understand that many women may go to the doctor for a Precondeptual examination/education and that they will be given an examination to assess their health, fertility, educate them on promoting fertility and health for themselves and a potential fetus, etc. I have also been told by a few friends that when they went in for a preconceptual examination they even started taking prenatal vitamins in advance of becoming pregnant. Sometimes many months in advance of them even beginning to try to get pregnant.

But my question is, what is the optimal time before you plan on conceiving that you should go to your doctor for this type of visit? I'm sure it could be ASAP but say you weren't planning on trying for a year or so. Would it be advisable to see a doctor 9 months, 6 months, 1 month before you start trying even if you are a typically healthy female not experiencing any other health issues and live a relatively healthy lifestyle of adequate exercise, diet, etc.

I guess I'm just asking out of curiosity if there is a 'standard'.

Thanks for you input,

Col

[Mrs.Yost]

I'm also interested in hearing what others have to say. I have heard different things. Some docs prefer that you just come see them once you are pregnant. I've been told to eat right, take a vitamin and come in when pregnant.

[sprtbikegrlsv65]

*this is only what i have heard*

my best friend was told to come in 3mo before trying, to get off of BC and start pre-natal...they had a woopsy and ...she was preggers within 7 weeks though...so not sure if it really made a difference.

just thought i'd tell what i heard!

-my own personal doctor, told me to come in around 3mo before as well, especially since i'm on BC...don't know how other doc's see it, but mine said that it's better that way....something to do with allowing the BC to get out of your system?!?

[becca.utns]

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/preconception/gettingpregnant/730.html

From all that I have read, it's recommended to go for preconceptual counseling 3 months to a year before you start trying to conceive. This link might be exactly what you are looking for.

[colleen10]

Thanks a lot, that was a good article.

It's interesting to see what people have 'heard' so far.

sprtbikegrlsv65, I too had a friend who went for a preconceptual exam and at that time quit using BCP's. I think she became pregnant about 2-3 weeks right after that by surprise. She was thinking it would take several months.