planning ahead The University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) offers preconception counseling to patients with chronic medical conditions and women who have had previous problems with pregnancies (early loss, early delivery or anomalies). Barbara Getty, M.S., R.N.C., nurse practitioner, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, says, “If you have health issues, there are things we can do ahead of time (before conception) to improve the outcome.” • For women with a chronic illness, the best time to adjust their medications is before they try to conceive. • Preconception counseling is helpful for women who have had complications with previous pregnancies. Assessing risks and developing a plan for future pregnancies can help reduce anxiety for a patient. • Women who are obese (body mass index over 40) greatly improve their odds for a healthy pregnancy and delivery by losing weight before they conceive. Obese women have increased risk for birth defects, hypertension and diabetes. Often women aren’t aware of the other complications that are possible because of their extra weight. Many have not had their hearts checked or don’t think about their risk for sleep apnea. A UMHS preconception counseling appointment provides a chance for the patient to meet with both a doctor and nurse to discuss her medical history and any details about prior deliveries. Preconception counseling can be scheduled whenever a high-risk patient is planning a pregnancy. Call (734) 763-6295 to schedule an appointment.

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