We plan for everything from what to make for dinner and where to go on vacation to how to advance our careers. It only makes sense to prepare in advance for pregnancy as well. Enter preconception counseling.
At Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, our expert board-certified physicians provide personalized care for women at all stages of their gynecological and obstetrical journey.
Whether you're planning to expand your family, are pregnant, or need well-woman care, we offer state-of-the-art services, including cutting-edge treatments and technology at our conveniently located offices in Westport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut.
Planning for pregnancy provides the opportunity to ensure that the mother-to-be is as healthy as possible and provides all she can to give her baby the best start in life. Partnering with a caring, compassionate healthcare provider is an essential first step.
Family planning encompasses a wide range of topics, including medical check-ups, education, counseling, screenings, and a healthy lifestyle.
During this check-up, the doctor can evaluate your weight, pulse, blood pressure, and other critical vital signs. It's also an opportunity to discuss your personal medical history, including any chronic health conditions, medications you take, and any surgeries or past pregnancies.
The doctor may recommend several tests to determine your health, which could include blood tests to learn your blood type and rule out any sexually transmitted diseases, a pelvic exam, and a pap smear. You may also discuss genetic screening.
While some vaccinations, such as for the flu, are safe to receive during pregnancy, others, like rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox), are not. Developing these illnesses during pregnancy could be dangerous for the baby. A doctor can help determine any immunizations you may need and administer them before trying to conceive.
A family planning appointment also encourages discussing ways to have a healthy pregnancy. These include taking a prenatal vitamin, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
In addition, the doctor provides education about things to avoid, such as smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, and certain medications. They discuss the importance of avoiding dangerous substances that can harm the baby, such as lead, pesticides, and radiation.
While a family planning appointment can help you prepare for pregnancy, it can serve other purposes, too. For example, it could also be an opportunity to plan not to get pregnant. Women can discuss birth control options that allow them the chance to design the family size and timing they desire.
For those struggling to get pregnant, infertility is another issue covered.
Whether you want to have a baby or have other concerns related to getting pregnant, we can partner with you to help you on your fertility journey.
Click to book an appointment or call the Westport office at 203-227-5125, the Fairfield office at 203-335-9633, or the Norwalk office at 203-840-1507, today.
