|
The first step in preconception care is a complete health screening. Several appointments may be required to ensure thorough testing, but this comprehensive process reaps multiple benefits for each woman and her future child. Our preconception care screening covers:
- A complete medical history
- Pap smear test if indicated
- Cholesterol screening
- Diabetes Screening
- HIV and STD screening
- Standard health maintenance screening
- Immunization status, including rubella, tetanus, Hepatitis B vaccine
- Family history review for potential genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia
- Nutritional status assessment to determine optimum weight
At McLaren Oakland Family Planning, we are committed to the idea that a healthy mother is key to delivering a healthy baby. Our Pregnancy planning and counseling helps women ensure they are in optimal health before they become pregnant. We support all women, no matter what their particular needs, in approaching pregnancy and childbirth with good health and peace of mind.
After a complete checkup and health assessment, we will help set individual, realistic goals for improving their health before and during pregnancy. An example of a realistic goal might be to lose a specific amount of weight before conceiving or learn how to better manage a chronic condition such as lupus or diabetes.
Such careful planning allows women to avoid complications that can occur when a chronic condition worsens during pregnancy. Women are also educated about the best nutritional and medical means of ensuring a healthy pregnancy, such as taking folic acid before they conceive to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Our expert staff pays special attention to women who have experienced difficulties with conception or carrying a child to term. Those women identified as having a condition that makes a healthy pregnancy unlikely are counseled on their options and supported through their decision. We evaluate women with a history of miscarriage, premature birth or still birth with the goal of helping them achieve a full-term pregnancy and healthy baby in the future. |