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Preconceptual Counseling

Preparing for pregnancy starts before you ever see a positive test. It starts with checking in on your health, your goals, your support system, and the little details that can make a big impact on your experience.

At UWH of The Carolinas, preconceptual counseling is designed to help you plan ahead with clarity and care. This is your space to ask questions, explore your options, and build a strong foundation for the family you’re hoping to grow.

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Preparing for Parenthood

Preconceptual counseling brings together medical insight, practical advice, and future-focused conversations. This is your time to get curious, ask the real questions, and feel informed before stepping into something as big as parenthood.

Preparing for pregnancy gives you space to focus on your health and the goals you have for this next stage. Your provider can help you track ovulation and identify the most fertile window in your cycle. If you’re planning to wait, they can explain how age, health, and timing may affect your future fertility.

If you’ve recently given birth or experienced a miscarriage, your provider will help you decide when it’s safe to try again. The spacing between pregnancies can affect your physical recovery and may also influence pregnancy outcomes.

Your provider can also help you think through things like financial readiness, relationship support, and emotional health, because all of it plays a role.

What to Expect at Your Preconceptual Appointment

Every visit begins with understanding where you are now. Your provider will ask about your health, your goals, and anything that might affect your ability to conceive or carry a healthy pregnancy.

Here’s some of what you can expect during an appointment:

  • A physical exam to check overall wellness
  • Lab work to screen for immunization status and underlying metabolic conditions.
  • A review of medications and supplements

You can also expect conversations around health history, especially as it relates to women’s wellness. This can include birth control use, menstrual history, and past pregnancies. If you or your partner have a family history of certain genetic conditions or fertility difficulties, be prepared to share that information with your provider.

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, this visit may include a fertility assessment. This could involve hormone testing, tracking ovulation over several months, and evaluating any factors that could be contributing to difficulty.

Genetic Testing

During your preconceptual counseling appointment, your provider will also discuss genetic testing options. These tests can help determine if you or your partner are potential carries of a genetic disorder that could be passed on to your child.

Health Goals Before Conception

Preconceptual counseling is a chance to look at your health through a new lens. Your provider may discuss ways to optimize your chances of conception and support a strong pregnancy.

These areas are often reviewed:

  • Nutrition: You may be asked about your daily diet and offered guidance. A referral to a dietitian may be recommended if your weight is outside the ideal range for pregnancy.
  • Physical activity: Moderate movement is encouraged, though your provider will offer tips to ensure your routines are both safe and effective.
  • Chronic conditions: Managing conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or diabetes can improve outcomes for both you and your future baby.

If there are concerns about alcohol use, tobacco, or recreational substances, your provider can offer resources and support to help you adjust these habits safely.

Nutritional Counseling

Make a Preconceptual Counseling Appointment

When you’re ready to explore pregnancy, or even if you’re just beginning to consider it, UWH of The Carolinas is here to help you feel prepared and supported. Let’s talk about where you are and where you’d like to go next.

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