What is preconception counseling?
Preconception counseling is the care and advice you receive at High Risk Pregnancy Doctors when you’re planning to have a baby. The early weeks of pregnancy are the most crucial, but many women don’t realize they’re pregnant until they’ve gone 6-8 weeks without a period.
These early weeks are when major developmental events are taking place in the embryo, such as organogenesis – the formation of organs. The goal of preconception counseling is to ensure you have all the information and support you need to prevent avoidable harm to your baby once you conceive.
High Risk Pregnancy Doctors discusses potential issues and addresses any existing risk factors with you before you start trying for a baby, giving you the optimal chance of a healthy, happy pregnancy.
What could go wrong if I don’t have preconception counseling?
There are specific risk factors you might have that increase the chances of developmental problems with the embryo during the early stages of pregnancy, including pre-existing conditions like diabetes, infections, certain substances, and certain occupations (e.g., working with small children).
There is also a slight chance of you having a child with a genetic condition or congenital disability. Various testing options are available to you before pregnancy and during the earliest stages of embryonic development.
High Risk Pregnancy Doctors or a genetic counselor can help you decide which of a number of genetic risk assessments might be beneficial for you. Women who may benefit from such services and prenatal diagnosis include those who:
- Are over 35
- Are obese
- Have had an abnormal test result
- Have another child with a condition
- Have had multiple pregnancy losses
- Have experienced a stillbirth
- Had twin or triplet pregnancies
- Have a family history of a genetic condition
Your maternal-fetal medicine specialist can either co-manage your care with your referring doctor or provide complete prenatal care. This includes preconception counseling and intervention, managing conditions such as diabetes, providing exercise counseling and classes, and more.
What tests might I need as part of my preconception counseling?
At High Risk Pregnancy Doctors, the genetics program works very closely with the ultrasound program to provide a wide array of prenatal screenings and diagnostic services. These include:
- First-trimester fetal echo
- Noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT)
- Chromosome analysis in a cytogenetic laboratory
- Maternal serum quadruple screen testing and interpretation
- First and second-trimester risk assessment for chromosomal problems
- Ultrasound risk assessment for Down syndrome
- First and second-trimester genetic diagnostic procedures like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis
There are carrier screening genetic studies available for diseases like:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- Beta-thalassemia
- Muscular dystrophy
You could also benefit from a pre-implantation genetic diagnosis when there is a known genetic disease in the family.
To find out more about preconception counseling or to schedule a consultation, call High Risk Pregnancy Doctors today or book an appointment online.
