Perinatal visit before conceiving?

Question

Hey y’all! I went to a new OBGYN today and didn’t really get any answers. I had a miscarriage last year due to low progesterone but I also have kidney disease. I was wanting to try progesterone cream since I have low progesterone and am having issues with TTC. My nephrologist gave me the go ahead to get pregnant. My kidney disease IS progressing so we’re getting to the time where it’s now or never. I was told they wouldn’t do anything unless I lost another pregnancy but I can’t even get pregnant so that’s the problem. It’s been 13 months since my miscarriage. Anyway, she’s wanting me to see a high risk doctor before I get pregnant. I’ve never heard of anyone seeing them prior to pregnancy. Has anyone else done this?

Answer

I have a rheumatological condition called lupus, and also have kidney complications with it. I think it’s good practice to see a high risk doctor before getting pregnant. Before getting pregnant I saw a specialist obstetrician who deals with high risk pregnancies, in a combined clinic with a rheumatologist with a special interest in obstetrics. They were excellent. I also had a special nephrology consultation, which was great. Aside from a clinical assessment, I had LOTS of blood tests to make sure any possible risk factors were identified. They found I have antibodies that may lead to congenital heart block, so we all knew a future baby would need to be carefully followed up during pregnancy. They all made sure I was on the right medications, and that my body was well enough to carry a baby to full term. I was also prescribed progesterone, due to low levels. Think of it as a good opportunity to get the best possible start to any pregnancy. Good luck!

Answer

After my third lost at the beginning of the year, we were referred to an specialist. I was diagnosed with incompetent cervix. We got pregnant again, I am having an incoming appointment with the Perinatal specialist again. Cerclage should be placed at 13 weeks which is around the corner. Best of luck to you and baby dust you way.

Answer

A lot of people have preconception appointments. What will occur during that visit varies depending on what your complications are, but the general idea is to go over the issues you may face, come up with a plan for how you and the doctors will address them, make sure you are comfortable that your doctor is qualified for any interventions you may need (I switched perinatologists based on the experience level of the one I was originally referred to), make sure that you’re comfortable with any risks to your health, possibly bloodwork to have a base level for certain hormones or other important factors, etc.

Perinatal visit before conceiving?

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