Planning Pregnancy? Benefits of Pre-Pregnancy Consultation at Welcome Health & Aesthetics
- mywelcomehealth
- Oct 11
- 6 min read
🐥 🐝 Thinking about having a baby in the next 12 months? 👶🏻 🧬
Excitement for this new chapter in life may be your primary emotion, however, it can also be met with questions, worries, and confusion. A vital step to improving your health before pregnancy is the Pre-Pregnancy Counseling visit. Meet with the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) at Welcome Health & Aesthetics to experience personalized care designed to help you thrive on your journey to parenthood.
This step is more than just an office check-up: it is an opportunity to prepare for one of life's most important journeys, and can positively impact the health of your pregnancy, your future child, and your future grandchildren!
In this post, we look at why a pre-pregnancy wellness visit matters (and why your annual GYN exam isn't pre-conception counseling), how a WHNP can help, and what to expect during this essential, but often overlooked, appointment. Ideally, health and wellness status should be assessed 6 months or more before trying to conceive, but it's not too late if you are considering pregnancy sooner!
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Understanding The Pre-Pregnancy Consultation Visit
A pre-pregnancy wellness visit is a proactive approach to reproductive health. It empowers women and their partners to assess their overall well-being and identify any potential health concerns before conception. This visit typically includes a thorough health evaluation, review of family medical history, lifestyle discussions, and preparation for a healthy pregnancy.
This is not the same as your annual well woman exam, covered by insurance as preventative care and typically focused on breast exam, pelvic exam, and screenings for cervical cancer, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), or sexually transmitted infections through Pap/cervical sampling, vaginal swab, and/or bloodwork. In the OB-GYN office setting, appointments are scheduled in 10-15 minute increments, which often translates to spending about 5-7 minutes with the NP, PA, or MD performing your exam.
Insurance regulations also influence what information and concerns are addressed during your annual preventative care appointment; some insurance policies limit the provider to addressing only the covered services/tests during the annual well woman appointment. This means if you have questions, for example, about cycle tracking for fertility and conception, how to optimize your health before pregnancy, or hormone lab tests, your GYN provider may be unable (not the same as unwilling) to address your concerns.
The objective of the Pre-Pregnancy Counseling visit is to uncover any medical conditions or concerns, nutritional deficiencies, or lifestyle factors, and thoughtfully optimize health and wellness prior to achieving pregnancy. For example, studies show that managing chronic conditions like insulin resistance can reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy by 30%. By addressing issues proactively, women can enhance their chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
The Role of Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
At Welcome Health & Aesthetics, Ericka Lavin, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, possesses the experience and expertise to address both your unique health needs and those of your partner. We offer comprehensive, compassionate care, focusing on physical, emotional, and social well-being. With years of experience as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife and lactation counselor, Ericka can provide insights and guidance not only on pre-pregnancy health but also on prenatal care options that align with your preferences and aspirations for your birth plan.
Ericka's approach to healthcare is characterized by warm, welcoming, inclusive, and compassionate care. She believes that you are in charge of you, and as a Nurse Practitioner, she serves as your guide in whole-person care and informed decision-making.
Benefits of a Pre-Pregnancy Counseling Visit
1. Comprehensive Health Assessment
One of the key benefits of a pre-pregnancy wellness visit is the in-depth health assessment. This typically involves:
A review of medical history, including any pre-existing conditions
A physical exam to evaluate overall health
Lab tests to identify underlying health issues
For example, a recent study found that women with well-controlled hypertension before pregnancy reduce their risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition, by more than 40%. Identifying and managing health issues early is critical for positive outcomes for both mother and baby.
2. Nutritional Guidance
Did you know your nutrition during pregnancy can impact the next two generations? Some of the earliest research on epigenetics dates to World War II. We have learned how inadequate nutrition can turn on or off certain genes, leading to increased risk in offspring for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. You have the opportunity, even before the start of pregnancy, to impact the health of your future family!
Nutrition plays a vital role in reproductive health. Your pre-conception assessment offers guidance on dietary choices that enhance fertility and promote a healthy pregnancy, helps develop a practical plan for weight management before and during pregnancy, and helps navigate the vast array of information on nutritional supplements available today.
During the visit, we can analyze your current nutritional intake, eating habits, and receive tailored advice on essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Certain individuals may need higher doses of this critical nutrient.
3. Lifestyle Modifications and Support
A pre-pregnancy wellness visit also serves as a perfect platform to discuss lifestyle factors impacting fertility and pregnancy.
Women and partners can gain guidance on:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Stress management techniques
Avoiding substances like nicotine, alcohol, THC
Assess environmental exposures, including hobby, sports, or work-related risk factors
Making these lifestyle adjustments before conception can enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy. Statistics show that maintaining a healthy weight can increase fertility by up to 15% for some women.
4. Mental Health Support
Mental health is a crucial but often neglected aspect of pre-pregnancy wellness. A pre-conception consultation can help women address emotional or psychological concerns that may affect their mood and coping during pregnancy. Perinatal mood disorders are one of the most common complications during pregnancy and the year after birth. A comprehensive pre-pregnancy appointment can review options for managing and treating symptoms of mood disorder, connecting with additional resources, and increase your confidence to have a safe, healthy pregnancy.
This support can involve discussing anxiety, depression, or relationship dynamics. By addressing these concerns in advance, women can approach pregnancy with a healthier mindset. Research indicates that women with strong emotional support during pregnancy are more likely to experience positive outcomes for themselves and their babies.
5. Family Planning and Education
A pre-pregnancy wellness visit is an excellent opportunity for family planning discussions. Women can explore various conception methods, including natural and assisted reproductive technologies, if necessary.
Additionally, a WHNP can provide critical education about what to expect during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Feeling informed can boost confidence and preparedness as women embark on this life-changing journey.
What to Expect During a Pre-Pregnancy Wellness Visit
During a pre-pregnancy wellness visit, women can anticipate a thorough evaluation and open communication. Common components include:
Health History Review: We will assess the you and your partner's medical history, including previous pregnancies, menstrual cycles, chronic conditions, and family medical information.
Physical Examination: A physical exam to identify any potential concerns, including elevated blood pressure.
Lab Tests: Blood tests may be ordered to screen for conditions like anemia, infections, and hormone imbalances.
Discussion of Lifestyle: We will discuss diet and nutrition, exercise or physical activity, and substance use openly. The pre-conception visit is largely aimed at identifying health factors within your control!
Personalized Recommendations: Based on the evaluation, the WHNP will provide individualized advice for achieving optimal health prior to conception, help you begin contemplating your preferences for prenatal care, preparation for labor and birth, and infant feeding choices.
Taking Action for a Healthy Start
A pre-pregnancy wellness visit with a women's health nurse practitioner is an essential step for individuals and couples looking to conceive. This visit offers an all-encompassing evaluation of health, nutritional insights, lifestyle modifications, mental health support, and family planning education.
Taking the time to focus on health before pregnancy can dramatically improve the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and baby. If you are considering having a baby, schedule a Pre-conception Counseling visit with Welcome Health & Aesthetics today!
Remember, a healthy start lays a solid foundation for your child's future. Prioritizing your health is one of the best gifts you can give to your baby and future family!
Of note, Welcome Health & Aesthetics does not accept insurance, and does not provide prenatal or labor/birth care. However, we can provide recommendations for these services in the community!
