Preconception Counseling

Preconception counseling in Burnaby, British Columbia

Preconception counseling is an excellent first step to family planning. Whether you are ready now or waiting a few years to start trying, preconception counseling can help you develop a pregnancy plan to ensure the most successful results possible. We will listen to and assess your concerns. After that, she will provide a personalized preconception plan based on her years of expertise.

What is preconception counseling?

Preconception counseling is a meeting with your gynaecologist or physician before attempting to become pregnant. During this assessment, the doctor will generally identify any health risks to a woman’s pregnancy and ability to conceive. These factors are determined based on medical history, as well as environmental and lifestyle factors.

What will be determined during preconception counseling?

Counseling sessions vary from patient to patient. Generally, your physician will assess any possible risks for successful conception and pregnancy. Risk factors for a high risk pregnancy or inability to conceive successfully vary widely.

​Additionally, your doctor may find out that there are other issues that need to be addressed prior to becoming pregnant, to help ensure the most successful pregnancy possible. These may include vaccinations, nutritional supplements, genetic counselling, and other investigations.

What are some risk factors for a high risk pregnancy?

High risks pregnancies can be determined by the following:

  • age
  • previous medical conditions
  • family history
  • lifestyle choices

What can cause infertility or trouble conceiving?

Trouble conceiving could depend upon either partner. Women generally have trouble conceiving because of damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus ​as well as hormonal issues that impact ovulation. Different types of conditions that may affect a couples ability to conceive spontaneously can include:

  • fibroids
  • pelvic inflammatory disease
  • infections
  • endometriosis
  • scarred tissue
  • hormonal issues
  • pre-existing medical issues

Why see a gynaecologist for preconception counseling?

A gynaecologist is a specialist within their field. While you can certainly ask your primary care physician for preconception advice, they may not be able to offer as many options or treatment plans as a gynaecologist. As a specialist, a gynaecologist has years of extra training within their speciality. Therefore, their knowledge and experience with conception and gynaecology is vast. It is never a bad idea to receive from a specialist within any medical area that concerns you.

Get a referral to our office in Burnaby, British Columbia

If you would like to schedule a consultation at our office, you will need a referral from your primary care physician. Once you have received your referral, call our office at (604) 433-8900 to schedule a consultation.