What Is a Preconceptional Care Visit?
A preconception visit is similar to a well-woman check-up, but with a specific focus on future pregnancy. During this visit, your doctor will take a detailed history, perform a physical examination, and may recommend blood tests or an ultrasound when appropriate.
Medical History Review
Your doctor will review any relevant medical, surgical, and psychiatric history, as well as assess the status of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, asthma, or autoimmune disorders. These should be optimally controlled before pregnancy.
Obstetric and Gynecologic History
Your doctor will ask about previous pregnancies and their outcomes, your menstrual cycle history including regularity and any pain during your cycle. The doctor will also ask about different gynecologic conditions for example uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis or history of pelvic infections.
Medication Review
This is an opportunity to review any medications you are taking including prescription medications, supplements or herbal products. Some medications are unsafe in pregnancy and should be stopped or changed before conceiving. Moreover, certain medications require reliable contraception until it is safe to attempt pregnancy.
Family History and Genetics
Family history from both partners will be reviewed, including any genetic disorders or birth defects. This information is important for genetic counseling or carrier screening which may be recommended based on family history, ethnicity or personal risk factors.
Immunization Review
Your vaccination history will be reviewed and immunity to rubella and varicella might be checked. Live vaccines require delaying pregnancy for at least one month after vaccination
Infectious Disease Screening
Depending on individual risk, screening may be recommended for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis chlamydia and gonorrhea. Early detection and treatment of infections is important to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
Physical Examination and Imaging
A pelvic examination and pelvic ultrasound may be offered when clinically indicated.
References
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Prepregnancy counseling. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 762. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(1):e78-89. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003013.
2. Benedetto C, Borella F, Divakar H, O’Riordan SL, Mazzoli M, et al. FIGO Preconception Checklist: Preconception care for mother and baby. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2024;165(1):1-8. doi:10.1002/ijgo.15446.
Maternal–Fetal Medicine Specialist in Bangkok
Dr. Narisra Srikureja Firer, M.D. (Dr. Niti)
Dr. Niti is a Bangkok-based OBGYN with subspecialty training in Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM). She provides comprehensive care for women across all stages of life, including pregnancy care, deliveries, and general gynecological conditions.
She dedicates her time to private practice at Mission Hospital and serves as a Maternal–Fetal Medicine Consultant at a large government tertiary care center.
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