Periconceptional
Counselling

Periconceptional counselling provides medical guidance to women and couples before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy. Its purpose is to identify and manage health, lifestyle, nutritional, genetic, and pregnancy-related risk factors that may influence maternal health and fetal development.

Ideally, counselling should begin before trying to conceive, particularly for women with diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, PCOS, previous pregnancy complications, recurrent miscarriage, or other medical conditions.

A consultation may include review of medical and obstetric history, current medications, menstrual cycles, vaccination status, family history, lifestyle factors, and previous pregnancy outcomes. Appropriate investigations may be advised based on individual risk factors.

Women planning pregnancy are generally advised to take folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy, with the appropriate dose determined by individual risk. Guidance may also include balanced nutrition, healthy weight management, physical activity, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol, medication review, and optimization of existing medical conditions.

Couples may also receive advice regarding the fertile window and when fertility evaluation should be considered if conception is delayed. Genetic counselling or additional screening may be recommended for selected couples based on personal or family history.

Periconceptional care provides an opportunity to address preventable risks before pregnancy begins and establish an individualized plan for healthier conception and pregnancy.