All high-quality OB/GYN practitioners recommend preconception care for women considering getting pregnant. Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center offers preconception counseling and genetic screenings, so you can learn about the potential risks of carrying a baby and confidently decide on your pregnancy endeavor. Contact 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 -- experienced gynecologists -- at their Beverly Hills, California practice to solicit more valuable information on conceiving.
Preconception counseling helps you understand risks of any potential complications as well as measures you can take to minimize risk factors.
It involves interventions that aim to identify and modify biomedical, behavioral, and social risks through prevention and management. The ultimate goal of this service is to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy experience for you and your future children.
Your doctor will address issues specific to your situation and needs during preconception counseling. Common issues include:
Women looking to get pregnant are recommended to take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Your physician can also work with you to control your health conditions, and offer family planning services to avoid unintended pregnancies.
Genetic screening, also known as genetic testing, is a medical test that aims to identify changes in your chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results help to rule out a suspected genetic condition or to determine your chances of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.
There are various ways to administer genetic screenings:
Genetic screenings offer benefits whether the results are positive or negative. For one thing, the results provide confirmation and ensure relief from uncertainty. They can also guide you to make informed decisions about managing your health and routines for care.
A negative result can eliminate the need for future check-ups and screenings, while a positive result can lead you toward prevention, monitoring, and treatment options. Test results play a significant role in your decision to have children.