Planning Your Pregnancy

Key Takeaways

If you're thinking about getting pregnant, it's not too early to schedule a preconception consultation with a physician or midwife. Our experts can provide guidance to help you plan and prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

We offer personal health assessments, including a discussion of medical and family history for both biological parents. During your consultation, we'll also help you understand when to:

• Stop taking birth control
• Change medications that could be harmful during pregnancy
• Start taking prenatal vitamins and potentially other medications or supplements based on recommendations from your health assessment
• Stop behaviors that could harm your baby, such as drinking alcohol and smoking
• Schedule recommended immunizations to help protect you from illness during pregnancy
• Consider genetic testing options to see if you or your partner carry any conditions that could affect your pregnancy or your baby’s health

A preconception consultation helps you prepare physically and emotionally for pregnancy by addressing your medical history, lifestyle factors and potential health risks before you conceive. At the University of Chicago Medicine, our specialists provide comprehensive pregnancy planning services designed to give you and your baby the best possible start.

Ready to start your journey? Request an appointment with one of our experienced obstetricians or midwives today.

What Is a Preconception Consultation and Why Does It Matter?

A preconception consultation is a visit with a physician or midwife to help you prepare physically and emotionally for pregnancy, before you conceive. If you're thinking about getting pregnant, scheduling one is an important first step. Nearly half of pregnancies worldwide are unplanned, which means many people miss the opportunity to optimize their health before conception.

Our experts provide personalized health assessments to help you plan and prepare for a healthy pregnancy. During your consultation, we'll review the medical and family history of both biological parents and discuss:

• When to stop birth control to allow your body time to regulate
• Medication adjustments for prescriptions that could be harmful during pregnancy
• Prenatal vitamins and supplements based on your individual health needs
• Lifestyle changes including stopping alcohol use and smoking
• Recommended immunizations to protect you from illness during pregnancy
• Genetic testing options to identify conditions that could affect your pregnancy or baby

How Early Should I Schedule a Preconception Consultation?

Schedule a preconception consultation at least three months before you plan to conceive. This allows time to make lifestyle changes, begin prenatal vitamins, update vaccinations, and address any medical conditions that could affect your pregnancy.

Schedule a Preconception Consultation

What Should I Expect During Fertility Counseling?

During fertility counseling, specialists review your medical history, perform diagnostic testing and discuss factors affecting conception. Testing may include hormone evaluations, imaging studies and assessments for both partners to identify potential obstacles.

When Should You Consider Fertility Counseling?

If you've experienced difficulty conceiving or have a history of pregnancy loss, fertility counseling can help identify underlying causes and treatment options. Our fertility specialists at UChicago Medicine have helped countless families overcome male and female fertility challenges. We offer comprehensive fertility testing and diagnosis using the latest diagnostic tools, along with a full range of treatment options.

What Prenatal Care Services Are Available at UChicago Medicine?

Once you are pregnant, our team continues supporting you through every stage of pregnancy. Our prenatal care program offers comprehensive services including:

• Regular prenatal checkups and monitoring
• Ultrasound evaluations and fetal assessments
• High-risk pregnancy care through our maternal-fetal medicine specialists

Prenatal classes taught by OB/GYNs, lactation consultants and mental health specialists