Pre-conception counseling
Pre-conception counseling (pronunciation: pre-kən-ˈsep-shən koun(t)-sə-ling) is a type of medical counseling that is provided to women and couples before pregnancy to increase the chances of having a healthy baby.
Etymology
The term "pre-conception" comes from the Latin words "prae" meaning "before" and "conceptio" meaning "conception". The term "counseling" is derived from the Old French "counsel" which means advice or guidance.
Overview
Pre-conception counseling is a meeting with a healthcare provider that is intended to help a woman or couple to prepare for pregnancy. It includes a review of the woman's health history, lifestyle, and any medications she is taking. The goal is to identify any potential risks to the baby and to make any necessary changes before the woman becomes pregnant.
Related Terms
- Fertility: The ability to conceive children or young.
- Prenatal care: The health care women get while they are pregnant.
- Obstetrician: A doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and a woman's reproductive system.
- Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health.
- Genetic counseling: The process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.
Benefits
Pre-conception counseling can help to reduce the risk of birth defects, premature birth, and other health problems that can affect the baby. It can also help to improve the woman's health and prepare her body for pregnancy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pre-conception counseling
- Wikipedia's article - Pre-conception counseling
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