What to Expect from Your Family Planning Consultation

Are you considering starting or expanding your family? Congratulations! It’s an exciting prospect, and one of the best things you can do right now is to schedule a family planning consultation with your OB/GYN.

Family planning care encompasses nearly every aspect of women’s reproductive health, and talking to your healthcare team before you even get pregnant can help you make informed decisions about your — and your family’s — future.

At South Valley Women's Health Care, we offer confidential family planning consultations and prepregnancy counseling in Bluffdale, Utah. Here's what you can anticipate during your visit.

Who goes to a family planning consultation?

Family planning care is designed for anyone who wants to take control of their reproductive health. That means we can provide helpful information whether you're hoping to get pregnant soon, you’re unsure about when or if you want children, or you simply want to understand your options.

These appointments are valuable for individuals and couples of all backgrounds and ages, including those with known medical conditions, a history of infertility, or those in same-sex partnerships planning to conceive. Even if parenthood isn’t an immediate goal, these consultations can help you plan ahead more confidently.

What to expect at your family planning consultation

Every individual's journey to parenthood is unique, and our goal is to give you personalized advice based on your specific circumstances. Some topics we might cover during your consultation include:

Your overall health

We start by reviewing your medical history, including any past pregnancies, surgeries, or chronic conditions. We may do a physical exam and order lab tests to assess your overall health, to help identify any potential issues that could affect your fertility or pregnancy, like diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Your lifestyle and habits

Lifestyle factors play a significant role in your reproductive health. During your consultation, be prepared to talk about your diet, exercise routine, and habits like smoking or alcohol consumption.

We may recommend changes to promote your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy, like working toward a healthy weight or taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. 

Your medications and supplements

It's important to discuss all medications, supplements, and herbal products you're currently taking. Some substances can affect fertility or may not be safe during pregnancy, and we can help you adjust your regimen as needed to ensure the safety of both you and your future baby.

Contraceptive options

If you're not ready to conceive right away, we can also discuss contraceptives that align with your plans and health needs. They'll help you choose an option that allows for a smooth transition when you're ready to start trying for a baby. 

Genetic testing

Depending on your family history and background, we might suggest genetic testing to assess the risk of inherited conditions. If you're found to be a carrier for certain genetic disorders, your partner may also be tested. This information can guide your family planning decisions and help you prepare for any necessary interventions that may arise. 

We’re here to make sure you have the information and resources you need to make confident decisions about your reproductive health. So if you’re thinking about getting pregnant now or planning for the future, a family planning consultation is a proactive step toward a healthy and informed path to parenthood.

Contact us to learn more about our services or book your consultation, and take charge of your reproductive health today.