Preconception Health

The US Department of Health and Human Services has recently published new guidelines regarding physical activity during and after pregnancy. Some of these new guidelines recommend that women should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate- intensity aerobic activity a week during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Preferably, aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week.

Ovarian cysts require attention because some of them can twist or rupture, bleed, and create a medical emergency. Other cysts that persist can interfere with normal ovarian function and impair a woman’s ability to conceive by producing hormones that prevent normal egg release from the ovary, for example.

This is a surgical procedure in which a lighted telescope-like instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through the wall of the abdomen into the pelvic cavity. Laparoscopy is useful to evaluate the pelvic cavity for endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and other abnormalities. 

This is a surgical procedure in which a lighted telescope-like instrument (hysteroscope) is passed through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus.

Genetic carrier screening is used to determine the risk of passing a genetic condition on to a child. Since you can pass on a genetic disorder to your child without having the disorder yourself, carrier screening is recommended for all individuals who are planning a pregnancy.

A hysterosalpingogram is a diagnostic x-ray test where dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Dietary restrictions are important to a healthy pregnancy.

During fertility treatments: IHR does not recommend swimming or hot tubs if you are using vaginal medications as they will be washed away, minimizing their effectiveness and decreasing chances of your success.

From the CDC website: Rubella is a contagious disease that can be very dangerous if you get it while you are pregnant. In fact, it can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects. The best protection against rubella is MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, but if you aren’t up to date, you’ll need it before you get pregnant.

Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an uncommon side effect of fertility medications. It is usually mild but there rare circumstances where it can have serious consequences. During stimulation with fertility medications the ovaries can become very large.

The HSN provides the best imaging of the contour of the uterine cavity.  It is an ultrasound where fluid is injected into the uterus.