Planning for Pregnancy

Congratulations—you're considering getting pregnant! Now's the time to prioritize your health and create the best environment for your baby.

How to Get Ready

• Stay up-to-date with your annual exams. If you are not current with your annual exam, have a complete physical examination to determine your current health.
• Make sure you are up-to-date on your immunizations.
• Start an exercise routine that you can carry on throughout your pregnancy. You should consult with your doctor if you are beginning a new exercise program.
• Begin taking prenatal vitamins; it's very important for you to begin getting adequate folic acid.
• Stop smoking.
• Stop drinking alcohol.

Pre-Pregnancy Provider Visit

You might consider a pre-pregnancy visit with your OB or midwife to discuss items such as: 

• Ovulation and timing
• Prenatal vitamins
• Over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Prenatal testing
• Exercise
• Any other questions or concerns you may have 

Your insurance may cover a pre-pregnancy visit, or you can choose to pay out of pocket if it's not covered.

Prenatal Consultation

If you're are concerned about a medical issue or possibly passing genetic abnormalities to your child, a prenatal consultation with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine experts could be very helpful. It includes a review of your medical records and your medical history. If needed, you will have an examination or ultrasound.

There will also be plenty of time for discussion of your concerns, any normal or abnormal conditions, what the information means to you and your pregnancy, and what your options are moving forward.

To schedule your prenatal consultation, call (425) 899-2200.

Typical reasons to seek a perinatal consultation include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-existing maternal illnesses
• Risk of pregnancy loss
• Preterm labor
• Blood disorders
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Multiple gestations

Genetic Counseling

You may also consider genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis before conception to predict any possible inherited disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and Huntington's disease.

You may be at increased risk of passing genetic inherited disorders on to your child if you:

• Are of Jewish ancestry; you may have a high risk of having children with Tay-Sachs or Canavan disease, metabolic disorders that lead to death in early childhood.
• Are of African-American ancestry; you may risk passing on sickle-cell anemia to your child.
• Are of Asian or Mediterranean ancestry; you may be at increased risk of having a child with thalassemia, a severe form of anemia.
• Have family histories of inherited disorders, or you have previously given birth to children with genetic disorders.
• Have been exposed to medications or substances that could cause birth defects.
• Have prior medical conditions or diseases that may affect their fetus, such as diabetes.
• Share a common ancestor.
• Have a history of multiple miscarriages.
• Have family members with birth defects or severe developmental problems.

To schedule your genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis, call Maternal-Fetal Medicine at (425) 899-2200.

Medications During Pregnancy

Some medications can be harmful during pregnancy, so talk with your physician about any recreational, prescription, over-the-counter or herbal drugs you may be taking.