If you are planning to grow your family, we recommend scheduling a consultation with an OB/GYN several months before you begin trying to conceive. At Peachtree Women's Care of Northside, our preconception counseling is designed to optimize your fertility and support the long-term health of both you and your baby.
Below are the essential steps you can take to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.
Lifestyle Adjustments for a Healthy Start
- Tobacco Cessation: Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful changes you can make. It improves fertility in both partners and significantly reduces the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and pregnancy-related hypertension. We are happy to provide resources or safe medications to support you in this process.
- Eliminating Alcohol and Substances: Alcohol is a leading preventable cause of developmental issues. Because a developing fetus is highly sensitive to substances—particularly in the earliest weeks of pregnancy—it is best to stop use before conception. Please let us know if you need assistance or resources for treatment.
- Nutritional Support: Begin taking a daily prenatal vitamin at least 2–3 months before attempting pregnancy. Look for an over-the-counter option containing at least 800 mcg of folic acid to help prevent defects of the brain and spine, which begin forming very early in development.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight supports consistent ovulation and regular menstrual cycles. During pregnancy, a healthy BMI helps reduce the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and the need for a C-section.
Preconception Clinical Check-up
During a pre-pregnancy visit, your provider will evaluate your overall health and review current medications to ensure they are safe for a developing fetus. Other areas we may address together include:
- Cycle Consistency: If you experience irregular periods, we will perform an evaluation to rule out underlying conditions that might affect your ability to conceive.
- Specialist Coordination: If you have a history of high-risk pregnancy or chronic medical issues, we may coordinate a consultation with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist (Perinatologist).
- Immunizations and Screenings: We will review your immunization status and screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to protect your fertility and reduce future pregnancy complications.
- Genetic Insights: We offer genetic carrier testing for you and your partner to help identify and reduce the risk of passing on certain inherited conditions.
