How Preconception Counseling Can Help Your Family

Thinking about having a baby? Starting or adding to your family requires excellent care before you conceive. At Women's Medical Center Pregnancy ConsulatationIn Dothan, our Obstetrics/Gynecology physicians and staff provide that care as they counsel women on maternal health before conception, during pregnancy and delivery and afterward.

 

What is preconception counseling?

Preconception counseling is a friendly, open discussion of a prospective mom's health and family goals. Studies cited by the Journal of Women's Health Care reports that maternal health before and during pregnancy leads to better outcomes for both mother and baby during the postpartum period. Key to maternal health are knowledge about prenatal care, health history, nutrition and more.

For instance, some women are overweight, diabetic, HIV-positive, or nutritionally deprived. A complete obstetrical and gynecological examination at Women's Medical Center in Dothan identifies existing health issues, identifies risks to mother and baby, and helps a woman decide if she's ready to conceive. Then, a plan of medical care, nutritional education and psycho-social counseling can begin well before a woman becomes pregnant.

 

Concerning health problems and risks

Your physician will identify and inform you of any existing health problems you may have, how they will impact conception and pregnancy and the risks to you and your baby if you do become pregnant.

Areas of concern include:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Fertility
  • Structural abnormalities in the mother
  • HIV-exposure
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Current medications

 

Making you a healthy mom

Pre-conception counseling includes nutritional counseling, the taking of prenatal vitamins (particularly folic acid), discussion about the home environment, breast or bottle feeding, method of delivery, the genetic history of mother and father, and vaccination status of the mother. Then, an individualized care plan will identify pertinent health goals, helping the women decide when conception would best benefit her family.

 

We're here to help

At Women's Medical Center in Dothan, AL, our obstetrics care is compassionate, skilled, and confidential. The professional teams wants mother, father, baby and family to be happy, healthy and well-functioning. For your pre-conception counseling appointment, please call (334) 793-3900.

Women's Medical Center, P.C.

Office Hours

Monday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed