Preconception and Prenatal Care

Services: Preconception

Preconception & Prenatal Care

Preconception medical care is given before pregnancy to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. This care includes a physical exam, counseling about nutrition, exercise, medications, and treatment of certain medical conditions.

Prenatal care helps keep you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.

We will make sure you and the developing baby are healthy and strong during prenatal care visits.

Preconception & Prenatal Health Care

We will make sure you and the developing baby are healthy and strong during prenatal care visits. These regular checkups are your chance to learn how to manage the discomforts of pregnancy, have any testing you may need, know about warning signs, and ask any questions you may have.

Health problems are best treated when we see our mothers regularly. This allows us to be proactive partners in your health as you grow precious human life. We want you to feel comfortable asking any questions so we can make your pregnancy journey comfortable, safe, and a wonderful experience.

Will I be asked about intimate partner violence? Your provider may ask about your relationship during your prepregnancy care visit. You may not think of your home environment as harmful, but it can be detrimental for you and your children if you are dealing with intimate partner violence (also known as domestic violence).

How can I get help if I’m in an abusive relationship?

We can help you find resources in your state that offer aid.
You also can call the toll-free, 24-hour National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

If you have a medical condition, you may need to make some changes to bring your situation under control before you try to get pregnant. Even if a health problem is well managed, the demands of pregnancy may cause it to get worse. To keep health problems in check, you may need to:

Make lifestyle changes
See your ob-gyn or another obstetric care provider more often
Get other specialized care during pregnancy

Before you get pregnant and during your pregnancy, you may have contact with chemicals at work, at home, or in your community. A few chemicals are known to have harmful effects on a fetus. These include lead, mercury, and certain pesticides. Some substances found in the home or the workplace may make it harder for you to get pregnant.

Find out from your employer whether you might be exposed at work to toxic substances such as lead or mercury, pesticides or solvents, or radiation. Radiation, a form of energy sent out in invisible waves, is used in specific medical and industrial jobs.

Try to do 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week and muscle-strengthening activities two days or more a week. You can divide the recommended number of minutes into shorter workout sessions throughout the week. For example, you can do a 30-minute workout five days per week. Set up a routine that works best for you.

The months before you get pregnant are the best time to take steps to be healthier. These steps may include:

Eating a healthy diet and taking a prenatal vitamin
Getting regular exercise
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
Stopping unhealthy substances (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs taken for nonmedical reasons)
Keeping your environment safe

A prepregnancy care checkup is the first step in planning a healthy pregnancy. This checkup aims to find things that could affect your pregnancy. Identifying these things is essential because the first eight weeks of pregnancy are when major organs develop in a fetus.

If you think you or your partner may have an STI, get tested and treated. Your partner also may need to be treated. Neither of you should have sex until you have both finished treatment.

Use of substances—tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs taken for a nonmedical reason—can cause serious problems for your pregnancy and your fetus, including:

Birth defects
Low birth weight
Preterm birth
Stillbirth

Substance use includes taking drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines. It also includes using oxycodone or other opioids in ways that were not prescribed for you. If you use any of these substances, now is the time to quit. Stopping before pregnancy also can give you time to seek help if you have issues with substance use or dependence.

Certain infections during pregnancy can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many infections can be prevented with vaccination. It’s best to get all of the vaccines recommended for your age before you try to get pregnant because some cannot be given during pregnancy.

Two essential vaccines for pregnant women are the influenza (flu) vaccine and the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The flu shot and the Tdap shot are safe during pregnancy.

Yes, you should take a daily prenatal vitamin before pregnancy and continue taking it after getting pregnant. Prenatal vitamins contain all of the recommended daily vitamins and minerals you will need before and during pregnancy, including folic acid and iron. Prenatal vitamins may also help reduce nausea and vomiting if you start taking them before getting pregnant.

If you are planning a pregnancy, you should try to reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant. Being underweight or overweight may cause problems during pregnancy. Talk with your ob-gyn or another obstetric care provider about whether your weight might be an issue for your pregnancy.

Your Partner In Planning

Preparing to bring a child into this world is a big decision. Your age, career, financial stability, relationship with a partner, and general health all may come into play. We help you be as proactive with your reproductive health as other aspects of your life, like school and work.

Or, if you’re ready to start trying to get pregnant, we can talk about prepregnancy care and how to increase your chances of having a baby. Our conversation may vary based on your age. For example, if you’re 35 or older, we can talk about genetic testing and what to do if you have a hard time getting pregnant.

If you’ve recently given birth, we can talk about what’s next for your family. You may already know you want another child. Maybe you’re sure this was your last baby. If you are unsure, that’s okay too. Our providers can help you make the best medical decisions for your health.

Our compassionate, understanding and supportive team of providers are here to support you on your journey to have children. Your health and your baby’s health are our top priority.

Our entire team is dedicated to you

We Help You Navigate Healthcare Decisions With Confidence

We Have Decades of Medical Experience and Providing Compassionate Care.

TEstimonials

What Our Patients Say

What an exceptional experience! I have never been to a nicer medical office. Ever! I was let called in after a second of completing my check in and everyone was so very nice. I wish i knew the name of the assistant that answered all our questions, she was very nice and informative. Don’t hesitate ladies!

Alaa Fahem patient

The staff and everyone I met on the care team were extremely warm, kind, and knowledgeable. Although visit times are short, they made sure to explain everything thoroughly and made sure I understood. Even though they spoke quickly (lots of info to share in a short 15 minute slot) I never felt rushed or dismissed. I highly recommend this location and especially Dawn.

Christina H patient