Obstetrics & Gynecology News Archive Featured in the Media JeffNEWS

Preconceptional Counseling--a new program for women who are considering becoming pregnant--is being offered by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University.

“All women want healthy pregnancies and healthy babies,” says Vincenzo Berghella, M.D., program director. “The best way to ensure a healthy mother and healthy baby is to discuss any possible risk before a woman becomes pregnant.

“Therefore, we recommend that all women of childbearing age should make sure their body is ready for pregnancy. Women should make an appointment to talk to a professional who specializes in eliminating or minimizing any complication that could affect the future mother and baby.

“For example,” says Dr. Berghella, who is director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University, “it is usually not a good idea to stop all medications as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Any drug or supplement that a woman takes should be reviewed before she becomes pregnant, to avoid risks.”

Many medical conditions, personal behaviors and environmental exposures that are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes can be identified and modified before a pregnancy occurs, Dr. Berghella, who is also professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jefferson Medical College, says. In fact, for certain conditions, opportunities to prevent complications can occur only before conception.

Women who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, lupus and hypertension should also take advantage of Jefferson’s Preconceptional Counseling, he advises.

The women who attend the Preconceptional Counseling program will meet with one of the Jefferson physicians with many years of experience in managing high-risk pregnancies.

To make an appointment, call 215-955-7500.