The fact that nearly one-half of all pregnancies are unplanned is exactly why preconception counseling is important to the doctors of the Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center in Beverly Hills, California. Through this counseling, women can plan their pregnancies, prepare for any issues that may arise, and be as healthy as possible before they get pregnant. Let Dr. Rebecca Brown, Dr. Jennifer Chen, Dr. Lily Lee, Dr. Rahil Patel, Dr. Henrietta Stancz-Szeder, Dr. Karen Toubi, Dr. Kathleen Valenton, Dr. Wendy Kim Waldman, and Dr. Peter Weiss help you experience the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Preconception counseling with your OB/GYN identifies social, behavioral, and environmental risks that may interfere with your pregnancy. By addressing these issues before you get pregnant, you improve your chance of:
These appointments allow your doctor to discuss any risks that they’re concerned about and provide any education, counseling, and interventions necessary.
During your initial preconception consultation, your doctor may:
After compiling the information collected, your doctor reviews concerns and things that could cause issues, including:
If you think you’re a candidate for genetic testing, talk to your doctor at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center about your concerns. After reviewing your family and health history, your doctor may recommend carrier or other genetic testing. If you belong to certain ethnic groups, your doctor may also recommend testing for certain diseases and disorders that are more common to specific groups.
These blood tests identify changes that occur in chromosomes, genes, and proteins that either rule out or confirm certain genetic diseases. The tests also indicate if you’re a carrier for certain diseases. Depending on the conditions, if you test positive, your doctor may suggest that your partner gets tested as well.
Preconception counseling is important for anyone who’s considering getting pregnant; it’s especially vital for women who:
While the Rodeo Drive gynecologists recommend preconception counseling for certain people, almost all women can benefit from it. That’s because this type of counseling ensures you and your body are prepared for pregnancy, and it helps to identify any risks that may be present.
It also allows your doctor to start you on folic acid supplements or prenatal vitamins, ensuring that your body has all of the nutrients it needs for healthy conception.