Planning for Pregnancy? Why Preconception Counseling Can Make a Difference

Green Bay Area Mom
Dec 30, 2025
3 min read

As a family medicine resident physician and new mom, I’m passionate about helping women feel supported, prepared, and informed as they begin their journey toward pregnancy. Before I welcomed my own child, I was excited and, admittedly, a little nervous.

Living with type 1 diabetes, I knew my pregnancy would be high risk, and even hearing that label as a doctor felt intimidating, but it empowered me to do everything I could to optimize my health before getting pregnant. A full year before trying to conceive, I committed to improving my health for me and my future baby. That experience is a large part of why I feel so strongly about encouraging other women to start their own preconception journey early.

Planning to expand your family is an exciting time, but before you see that positive pregnancy test, it’s important to be proactive. Preconception counseling is a vital first step to ensure you and your future baby are set up for the best start possible.

Why meet with a doctor before trying to get pregnant?

Nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned, which means many women don't get the chance to optimize their health beforehand. I often hear women say that they wish they could have reached their goal weight, quit smoking, or found healthier ways to cope with anxiety prior to finding out they were pregnant. This takes a little bit of planning, but when

you do have that chance, it's worth taking. A preconception visit gives you time to address things that may be harder to manage once you're pregnant.

What happens at a preconception visit?

During this appointment, you will discuss your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors that could affect fertility or pregnancy. If you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems, your physician will work with you to make sure they're well-controlled before conception. Some medications may need to be adjusted or

switched to safer alternatives, making this an important conversation to have with your doctor.

At this appointment, your doctor will evaluate a variety of factors to determine the best course of action to prepare you for pregnancy. Reviewing your past and current medical conditions helps your doctor better understand your body’s unique needs. Looking at your and your partner’s family health history can also uncover potential risk factors that may affect your baby.
Your vaccination status will be checked to see whether any additional immunizations are recommended to help protect both you and your child. Infection screening may also be performed to identify any concerns, such as sexually transmitted infections, to help support the healthiest possible pregnancy.
Your nutrition and lifestyle habits will be discussed, such as alcohol intake, smoking, vaping, substance use, and even workplace exposures, which can influence fertility and pregnancy outcomes. This information offers valuable insight into ways to prevent common complications and sets out the foundation for a healthier pregnancy. These conversations also help your doctor offer guidance that’s realistic, personalized, and truly helpful.
While the list may seem long, everything can be covered in a single visit. That one appointment can make a meaningful difference in supporting positive outcomes for your little miracle. Talking with your doctor can help you navigate these changes, boost your chances of conception, and create the healthiest environment possible for your growing family.

When should I schedule a preconception appointment?

It’s recommended to schedule this visit about three to six months before you start trying to conceive. That gives us enough time to address any issues that come up, adjust medications if needed, and let any lifestyle changes take effect.

Who to See for Pregnancy Care

With a pregnancy on the horizon, it’s also the perfect time to start thinking about who you’d like to guide you through your prenatal, or pregnancy, care. Options include midwives, OB/Gyns, or family medicine doctors – many of whom can support you every step of the way, from bump to baby and beyond.

Why Preconception Counseling Matters

Visiting your family doctor before pregnancy is a valuable step in preparing for a healthy future for both you and your baby. Speaking from my own experiences, my health and my baby's health are better for it. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting to help you feel confident and informed. By optimizing your

health now, you’re laying a strong foundation for a positive and healthy pregnancy journey.

If you're thinking about starting or expanding your family, let's talk! We're here at Prevea Family Medicine Residency, located at the Prevea East Mason Health Center in Green Bay. Click here or call (920) 431-1810 to schedule your preconception appointment.