Preconception Care Expertise Optimizes a Woman’s Health

Maternal fetal medicine specialists at University Hospitals provide expert preconception counseling and care that optimizes a woman’s health prior to pregnancy. In consultation with each woman’s primary healthcare provider, we optimize any current conditions to improve health outcomes for both mother and child.

Advances in clinical care over the past decade have strengthened the importance of assessing a woman’s health condition prior to becoming pregnant. Our team of gynecologists and maternal fetal specialists have the specialized experience to monitor and manage any early warning signs of health issues before and during pregnancy. In addition, our team includes expert genetic counselors and advanced genetic testing capabilities provide a range of options for any need or concern.

Identifying Risk Factors Early Leads to Healthier Pregnancy

If you are planning to become pregnant and have certain risk factors, it is important to seek preconception counseling. The goal is to identify and address any health and other risk factors prior to a pregnancy, thus increasing the chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. During this visit, your healthcare professional will ask about your diet and lifestyle, your medical and family history, medications you take and any past pregnancies. In some cases, you also will learn about testing for genetic conditions.

Preconception Counseling for Women with Chronic Medical Conditions

Our obstetrics and gynecology specialists know that healthier women have better pregnancy outcomes. While many women have established care because of a preexisting condition, such as diabetes or congenital heart disease, other women may not realize the need for specialized care for certain health conditions, including medication management.

There is also a strong relationship between diabetes, poor blood sugar control and issues with pregnancy. Our doctors see women with diabetes before they conceive to help them optimize blood sugar control and reduce the risks during pregnancy.

Preconception care is especially important for women with pre-existing medical conditions such as:

• Anemia
• Asthma
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• Clotting disorders
• Congenital heart disease
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Lupus
• Mood disorders
• Neurologic conditions
• Renal disease
• Seizure disorders
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thyroid conditions

Family History Can Influence Pregnancy

Along with chronic diseases, other factors can influence the health of a woman and her child during pregnancy. Women over age 40, who are obese or have a family history of health issues would benefit from an appointment with one of our preconception specialists. Medical and family history issues to monitor include:

• Genetic disorders
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Prior preterm delivery
• Previous miscarriage
• Previous still birth

Learn More About Preconception Counseling

If you are planning a pregnancy and are concerned about health concerns that could place you or the baby at risk, schedule a preconception counseling appointment with a UH maternal fetal medicine doctor today at 216-844-8545.