Strong Starts Begin Before Conception
Personalized counseling to optimize health, review medications, and plan a smooth path to pregnancy.
Preconception counseling helps you enter pregnancy in your best health. We review your medical history, medications, cycles, lifestyle, and family risks, then create a practical plan for vitamins, vaccines, timing, and any testing you may want.
Fast Facts
Begin a prenatal vitamin with at least 400–800 mcg folic acid 1–3 months before trying
Update vaccines (e.g., MMR, varicella) as needed prior to conception
Tidy up meds: some prescriptions and supplements aren't pregnancy-safe
Cycle tracking clarifies fertile windows and speeds time-to-pregnancy
What We Cover
- Medical history: thyroid, diabetes, hypertension, migraines, mental health
- Medication & supplement safety review, including acne and anxiety meds
- Immunizations and infection screening as indicated
- Cycle mapping and ovulation timing
- Nutrition, weight, sleep, stress, and movement planning
- Genetic carrier screening options for you and your partner
- Substance use, environmental exposures, and travel plans
Why It Matters
Optimizing health beforehand reduces early pregnancy risks, supports fetal development, and can prevent delays and anxiety. Simple adjustments—like correcting a thyroid level or starting a prenatal—make a meaningful difference.
Labs & Vaccines
Based on your history, we may check blood count, thyroid function, rubella/varicella immunity, and screening for certain infections. Vaccines that use live virus are given before pregnancy; others (like influenza) are timed seasonally or during pregnancy according to guidelines.
Cycle Tracking: Apps vs. Ovulation Kits
Calendar/App Only
- Easy, low cost
- Works best with very regular cycles
- Less precise if cycles vary
- Good first step for timing
LH Ovulation Kits
- Detects hormone surge before ovulation
- More precise timing for intercourse or insemination
- Helpful with irregular cycles
- Pairs well with an app for record-keeping
Genetic Carrier Screening
Many couples choose carrier screening for inherited conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, SMA, hemoglobinopathies) before pregnancy. If one partner screens positive, the other partner can be tested to clarify risks and discuss options.
Lifestyle Foundations
We emphasize a balanced diet with adequate protein, iron, and omega-3s; regular movement and strength training; sleep hygiene; and stress strategies. We also discuss limiting alcohol, stopping nicotine/vaping, and avoiding high-mercury fish and certain unpasteurized foods.
What to Bring to Your Visit
- ✓Current medications and supplements (photos or list)
- ✓Cycle history or app data (last 3–6 months if available)
- ✓Past medical/surgical history and prior pregnancy outcomes
- ✓Family history of genetic conditions or clotting disorders
- ✓Questions about timing, travel, or specific concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
1When should I start a prenatal vitamin?
Ideally 1–3 months before trying to conceive to build folate stores; choose one with 400–800 mcg folic acid (higher if recommended for your history).
2Do I need to stop any medications?
Some medications and supplements aren't pregnancy-safe. We review your list and coordinate safe alternatives or timing changes before you start trying.
3How long should we try before testing fertility?
If under 35, consider evaluation after 12 months of trying; at 35 or older, after 6 months. Seek earlier guidance with irregular cycles or known risk factors.
4Should my partner be evaluated too?
Yes—preconception health is a team effort. We discuss lifestyle, family history, and when semen analysis or carrier screening is appropriate.
5Can I keep exercising?
Most people can continue regular activity and strength training while trying to conceive. We tailor guidance to your fitness level and any medical considerations.
Plan Now for a Healthy Pregnancy
From vitamins and vaccines to timing and testing, we'll create a step-by-step preconception plan that fits your life.
Book an Appointment