Family Planning in Reston, VA
It is common for patients to begin visiting an obstetrician after finding out that they are pregnant. However, few couples realize the incredible benefits to scheduling a preconception planning appointment with your OBGYN at Perfectly Female before they become pregnant. By being proactive, women can enjoy reduced risks to themselves or their child, and can also take comfort in preparing for a newborn long before they are expected to arrive. To schedule a consultation for preconception planning at our OBGYN office in Reston, VA, please call (703) 796-0200 or request an appointment online.
Key Topics to Discuss During Your Appointment
During your appointment with an obstetrician for family planning, it is important to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding a potential pregnancy. Feel free to discuss any relevant aspects related to starting a family.
Your OBGYN will likely inquire about the following areas:
- Fertility: If you have any conditions that could affect your ability to conceive, this is the perfect time to review their impact.
- Menstrual cycles: Your obstetrician will want to know the date of your last period and the average length of your cycles. This information helps determine the most favorable time each month for conception and identify any cycle irregularities that may pose a problem.
- Medical history: Openly share information about previous procedures and any ongoing health issues that require treatment or management.
- Family medical history: Even if you haven’t personally been diagnosed, it is essential to disclose any conditions that run in your family, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or fertility problems, as they can affect your own health and chances of developing them.
- Current medications: Understand the potential side effects of medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products that could impact a future pregnancy.
- Lifestyle: Consider how your habits and environment may influence your health. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or working in a high-risk environment could have implications for both partners preparing to conceive.
- Recent travels: Inform your obstetrician if you or your partner have recently traveled to any specific regions.
- Diet and exercise routine: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for preparing for pregnancy. Weight can influence the risk of complications for both the mother and baby. Additionally, certain foods and activities are not recommended during pregnancy.
- Prenatal vitamins: It is highly recommended to regularly take prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your OBGYN before pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects in your child.
Physical Exams and Screenings
In addition to reviewing your medical history and lifestyle, your OBGYN will likely conduct various examinations and tests for those planning to become pregnant. These may include:
- Pap test
- Weight check
- Screenings for conditions that may impact fertility
- Bloodwork
- Urine testing
- Blood pressure measurement
- Vaccinations, if necessary
- Mental health screening to address mood disorders and potential postpartum depression
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Perfectly Female offers family planning services aimed at optimizing your health before pregnancy. Taking proactive steps ensures a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby, which is the primary goal of our obstetricians.
If you plan to become pregnant in the future, scheduling a reproductive health checkup now is highly recommended. It is also an ideal time to establish a relationship with your obstetrician, as they will provide care throughout your pregnancy. Building this bond beforehand strengthens the connection between parents and their physician.
Schedule Your Family Planning Appointment in Reston, VA
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, contact our OBGYNs at Perfectly Female to discuss any risk factors you may have and receive your physical exam and screening beforehand. To schedule your preconception appointment at our OBGYN office in Reston, VA, please call (703) 796-0200 or request an appointment online.