Checklist: Questions to Ask During Your Preconception Checkup

Thinking about starting a family soon? Before you take any active steps toward trying to conceive, consider scheduling a preconception visit with your ob-gyn, especially if this will be your first baby or if you have any underlying health problems or concerns. A quick consultation will give you the chance to get a health status report, find out if you need to make any changes to your lifestyle or medication regime, discuss any potential risk factors and learn more about fertility and ovulation. It’s best to schedule the appointment at least three months before you plan to start trying to leave enough time for any vaccines you may need. Here, the essential questions to ask during your preconception checkup so you can make the most of your time with the doctor and pave the way to a healthy pregnancy.

• Will the birth control I was taking have any effect? How long after I stop taking it will I able to get pregnant?

• Can you recommend a prenatal vitamin?

• When is the best time to have sex to conceive? How can I track ovulation?

• How can my partner and I naturally increase our chances of conceiving?

• Are all the medications I’m currently taking safe for pregnancy? If not, what can I do or take instead?

• Are there over-the-counter medications I should steer clear of?

• Am I in good health? Do I need to make any lifestyle changes to avoid potential pregnancy complications?

• Can any previous health conditions affect my fertility?

• Is my weight and BMI in a healthy range?

• Are all my immunizations up to date? Are there vaccines I should get before trying to conceive?

• Would my baby be at risk for any genetic conditions? Do you recommend genetic testing?

• What foods should I be eating or avoiding?

• Are there any environmental exposures I should avoid?

Updated December 2017

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best Sex Positions for Getting Pregnant

6 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Fertility

11 Things to Avoid When Trying to Conceive