Pre-Pregnancy Planning

 

It is important to have discussions about pregnancy during health visits. Topics should include nutrition, folic acid supplementation, substance use, and violence and abuse.

All women in preconception and early conception periods should receive 0.4-0.8 mp folic acid to prevent neural tube defects, while intermediate- or high-risk women should receive 4-5 mg daily.

A history of rubella and varicella infection or vaccination should be evaluated, with titres or immunization potentially required.

Genetic testing may be done if patient or partner belong to an ethnic or family group at risk for conditions such as Tay-Sachs or sickle cell anemia.

Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, or depression should be optimized.

Motherisk is a good source of information regarding medication safety.