Pregnancy Planning Basics

When patients present for fertility consultation there is only one question your health care provider should start with: Are you healthy and ready for pregnancy? Meaning are both of your healthy for pregnancy.

This means having some basic pregnancy planning laboratory tests, examinations, catch up on vaccinations, begin prenatal vitamins, and get a genetic consultations. For most couples this is a relatively short consultation, a few blood tests and you are going to be ready to try.

Some couples would benefit from genetic testing before trying to have a baby.

Home tests for her include OPK ovulation predictor kits, home tests for him could include a sperm fertility check. If either test is abnormal, come in as a couple to discuss the plan.

In the time of Covid you need to evaluate your Covid risk and what risk category being pregnant will put you in. Vaccinations may be coming so you may want to think twice about that.

If you have a trip, especially to an area with Zika cases, or other infections, then timing of your pregnancy is going to be extra important, but this risk has diminished to some extent over a few years ago. .

If you are planning when to stop your contraception or how to adjust medications for any chronic illnesses it’s important to see your gynecologist and your medical health care provider to discuss the safe way to manage those steps.

Some women want to launch off on fertility treatments or cycle tracking too soon. It’s not a bad idea to just try without any extensive cycle tracking for 2-6 months. Then get advice as to when to start tracking your cycles, using ovulation kits, or even having fertility testing and treatments.

Telemedicine visits at Women’s Health Practice could be done if your primary care physician hasn’t discussed healthy pregnancy planning with you. Many risks can be avoided.