The Preconception Visit During Pregnancy

Sep 24 2007

The preconception visit gives you and your practitioner the opportunity to review specific risks that might complicate your pregnancy, to screen for and treat undetected conditions that could affect your pregnancy adversely, and to discuss pregnancy-specific health promotion activities. These include nutrition and nutritional supplementation, smoking cessation, and avoidance of toxic substances such as alcohol, drugs, and even some over-the-counter medications. Assessment of pregnancy risk and health screening are carried out through a complete health history, a physical examination that includes a pelvic exam, and certain laboratory tests. The history will cover medical, menstrual, obstetric, and gynecologic issues. Any previous pregnancies will be discussed in detail, especially if you had problems. You will be asked questions about your psychological well-being. An assessment will be made of your environment to see whether you are exposed to work, place hazards or other toxic substances. Your ethnic and racial background will be noted to determine risk for certain diseases. A nutritional assessment should be made. You will be queried about smoking, drinking, drug use, and eating disorders.

You will be asked questions about your sexual health, including any history of sexual abuse and your risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. Your physician or midwife should also ask about any experience you have had with domestic violence. These questions are not prying or frivolous, they help your care provider identify your needs for specific types of health care and, if necessary, make appropriate referrals.

The Preconception Visit During Pregnancy The health of your partner will be included in the history taking. In addition, your family history will be reviewed, focusing on conditions that have a genetic component, including fraternal twins or other multiple pregnancies.

The physical examination will be head-to-toe. Your physician or midwife will look specifically for signs of anemia and thyroid disorders. high blood pressure, varicose veins, poor nutritional status, including under- or overweight, and any pelvic pathology, such as fibroids.