Preconception Counseling

Why Should You Get Preconception Counseling? The Importance of a Healthy Start

Pregnancy is a major process of change for your body. Entering this process as physically and mentally prepared as possible can prevent many potential problems or allow them to be detected and managed at an early stage. The main benefits of preconception counseling are as follows:

• Management of Existing Health Conditions: Bringing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, and autoimmune diseases under control before pregnancy is vital for the health of both mother and baby.
• Review of Medication Use: The possible effects on pregnancy of any prescription or over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements you take regularly or occasionally are evaluated, and safer alternatives are switched to if necessary.
• Healthy Lifestyle Habits: You are given personalized recommendations on proper nutrition, ideal weight, regular exercise, and quitting harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol.
• Folic Acid Support: You are guided to start folic acid supplementation at the right time and dose, which is critical for your baby’s brain and spinal cord development in the early weeks of pregnancy. This significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
• Vaccination Update: Your immunity status against infections that can be dangerous during pregnancy, such as rubella and chickenpox, is checked, and completion of any missing vaccinations is planned.
• Genetic Risk Assessment: You are informed about possible genetic risks related to your family history, age, or ethnic background (such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia), and screening tests are recommended if necessary.
• Infection Screening: Screening may be performed for sexually transmitted infections or other infections that could cause problems during pregnancy (such as toxoplasmosis).
• Fertility Awareness and Timing: You are provided information about your fertile periods and support in planning your pregnancy.
• Psychological Preparation: Potential stress factors related to the transition to pregnancy and parenthood are discussed, with the aim of supporting your mental health.
• Previous Pregnancy History: Problems experienced in previous pregnancies (such as miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia) are evaluated, and measures are planned to reduce the risk of recurrence.

In short, preconception counseling allows you to experience a healthier, safer, and more informed pregnancy process by minimizing surprises.

What Happens During Preconception Counseling? A Comprehensive Assessment

The preconception counseling session you will have with Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt includes a comprehensive assessment tailored to your health status and that of your partner (if attending):

1. Detailed Medical History:
   
   • Your personal health history (chronic conditions, surgeries, allergies).
   • Your family health history (particularly hereditary conditions).
   • Your menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies and deliveries (if any).
   • Medications, vitamins, and herbal products you use.
2. Lifestyle Assessment:
   
   • Your dietary habits.
   • Your exercise routine.
   • Smoking, alcohol, or substance use.
   • Possible exposure to harmful substances at work or at home.
   • Your stress level and coping methods.
3. Physical Examination:
   
   • Assessment of your general health status (weight, height, blood pressure measurement).
   • Comprehensive gynecological examination.
   • Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) if due.
4. Laboratory Tests:
   
   • Blood type and Rh factor determination.
   • Complete blood count (anemia check).
   • Rubella and chickenpox (Varicella) immunity status.
   • Infection screening such as Hepatitis B, HIV, and Syphilis.
   • Thyroid function tests (TSH).
   • Blood sugar level (fasting blood glucose or HbA1c).
   • Vitamin levels when necessary (vitamin D, B12, etc.).
   • Additional tests based on risk factors (for example, thalassemia carrier screening).
5. Vaccination Status Review and Planning: Information and planning regarding missing vaccines or those recommended before pregnancy (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Flu, Tdap).
6. Folic Acid and Nutrition Recommendations: The importance of folic acid use is emphasized, the correct dose is determined, and healthy, balanced nutrition principles are explained.
7. Genetic Counseling: If there are risks related to family history or age, information is provided on genetic counseling and possible screening tests.
8. Weight Management: Strategies for reaching an ideal weight or maintaining your current weight for a healthy pregnancy are discussed.
9. Mental Health: Referral for psychological support or counseling can be arranged if needed.

Who Should Especially Get Preconception Counseling?

In fact, every individual or couple planning a pregnancy is encouraged to benefit from this counseling. However, preconception counseling is especially important in the following situations:

• Those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, heart disease, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), and epilepsy.
• Those who have experienced complications in previous pregnancies such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, stillbirth, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes.
• Those with a known genetic condition or carrier status in themselves or their family (thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, etc.).
• Prospective mothers aged 35 or older.
• Those who are underweight (low body mass index) or overweight/obese (high body mass index).
• Those who use tobacco, alcohol, or other substances.
• Those who need to take medication continuously.
• Those with incomplete vaccinations or uncertain immunity status.
• Those who have recently had an infection.
• Those with concerns about pregnancy and childbirth.

Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy with Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt in Ankara

One of the first and most important steps toward realizing your dream of bringing a healthy baby into the world is obtaining the right information and guidance before pregnancy. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt offers a comprehensive preconception counseling service at her clinic in Ankara, taking into account your individual needs and health status. In light of scientific data and current approaches, we are here to help optimize your health, identify and manage potential risks, and ensure you enter the pregnancy process as well prepared as possible. We create a personalized road map to give you and your future baby the best possible start.

Don’t wait any longer to make a conscious and safe start to the healthy pregnancy journey of your dreams. Get in touch with our clinic in Ankara to schedule your preconception counseling appointment and meet with Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt.