At The Accra London Health Centre (TALHC), we support your journey to parenthood with comprehensive pre-conception care services. Whether you’re actively planning for pregnancy or simply considering your options, our goal is to help you optimise your health and well-being before conception. Our expert clinicians provide personalised care, ensuring you have the knowledge, support, and resources needed for a healthy pregnancy.
Why Pre-Conception Care is Important
Preparing for pregnancy involves more than just stopping birth control. Your overall health, lifestyle, and medical history can impact fertility, pregnancy, and the health of your future baby. Pre-conception care helps identify and address potential risks early, allowing you to take proactive steps for a smoother conception and a healthier pregnancy.
Benefits of pre-conception care include:
✔ Identifying and managing health conditions that may affect fertility and pregnancy
✔ Ensuring optimal nutrition and vitamin intake (e.g., folic acid)
✔ Addressing lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and stress
✔ Reviewing medications and supplements for pregnancy safety
✔ Screening for genetic or hereditary conditions
Our Pre-Conception Care Services
At TALHC, we provide personalised pre-conception care to support your fertility and reproductive goals.
Pre-Conception Health Assessment:
- Comprehensive medical and reproductive history review
- Evaluation of menstrual cycle and ovulation patterns
- Screening for underlying conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels and nutritional status
Fertility Optimisation & Lifestyle Guidance:
- Personalised nutrition and supplement recommendations, including folic acid and prenatal vitamins
- Healthy weight management strategies
- Guidance on exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene
- Counselling on reducing environmental and occupational risks
Reproductive Health Screenings:
- STI testing and treatment to reduce pregnancy complications
- Cervical health checks, including Pap smears and HPV screening
- Assessment of uterine and ovarian health via ultrasound (if needed)
Genetic and Family Planning Counselling:
- Carrier screening for inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis
- Discussion on family medical history and potential genetic risks
- Guidance on fertility preservation options if conception is not immediate
When Should You Seek Pre-Conception Care?
Consider booking a pre-conception care appointment if:
- You are planning to conceive within the next 6-12 months
- You have experienced previous pregnancy loss or difficulty conceiving
- You have a chronic medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune disease
- You are over 35 years old and trying to conceive
- You want to understand your fertility health and plan for the future
Ideally, pre-conception care should begin at least three months before trying to conceive to allow time for lifestyle adjustments, vaccinations, and health screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start pre-conception care?
It’s best to start at least 3-6 months before trying to conceive to allow time for necessary health optimisations.
Do I need pre-conception care if I’m healthy?
Yes! Even if you feel healthy, pre-conception care ensures you’re physically and mentally prepared for pregnancy. It also helps prevent complications and promotes the healthiest possible start for your baby.
Can my partner be involved in pre-conception care?
Absolutely! We encourage partners to attend, as preconception health involves both individuals. This is especially important for discussions around genetics and fertility. We offer sperm health assessments, lifestyle counselling, and STI screenings for partners as part of our holistic approach to pre-conception care.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
If you have conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, diabetes, or high blood pressure, our clinicians will work with you to create a personalised plan to manage your health before pregnancy.
Does pre-conception care improve fertility?
Yes! Addressing nutritional deficiencies, managing stress, and optimising your health can increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Can you help with fertility challenges?
Yes, our team provides initial evaluations and guidance for improving fertility. If needed, we can refer you to fertility specialists for advanced care.
Book Your Pre-Conception Consultation Today
Take proactive steps toward a healthy pregnancy by scheduling a pre-conception care consultation at TALHC. Our expert team is here to provide guidance, support, and the best possible start for your journey to parenthood.
Book online or call us to schedule your appointment today!
