If you are thinking about getting pregnant, you might be planning on setting a date with your significant other, not with your gynecologist. However, if possible, it is a good idea to meet with your OB/GYN before attempting to get pregnant. These are a few reasons why.

1. Assess Any Risk Factors

First of all, you should know that at your pre-conception appointment, your OB/GYN will look over your medical records and have a pretty in-depth talk with you about your medical history. He or she will ask you about your lifestyle, any previous medical conditions that you might have had and a few other things. Then, he or she will give you a check-up. This can help you and your doctor determine any potential issues that you might face while trying to conceive or while pregnant, allowing you to be prepared for anything. You can also determine any risk factors that you might have that might put you or your baby at risk.

2. Get Helpful Tips

Getting pregnant isn't always as easy as it seems. By talking to your OB/GYN about your menstrual cycle and a few other factors, you can get helpful advice about the best times of the month to try to conceive and other tips for getting pregnant. It's never a bad idea to get advice from a professional when you're trying to do something so important.

3. Start Making Important Decisions

Your OB/GYN can answer questions about pregnancy and can give you a few things to think about, such as whether you would like to have your baby in a hospital in the traditional fashion, if you would like to have a natural childbirth or if you are interested in having your baby at home with the assistance of a midwife. Talking to your doctor can help give you an idea about your options and can help guide you in the right direction for you and your pregnancy, which can be better than attempting to do your own research and make these types of big decisions on your own.

As you can see, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN, like Anchorage OB, before attempting to get pregnant, rather than waiting to schedule an appointment after you have already conceived. Even though this isn't always possible, if you know that you are trying to conceive, it's a good idea to call and schedule an appointment before getting serious.