The weeks immediately following conception are critical for fetal organogenesis, often occurring before a pregnancy is officially confirmed. Scheduling a preconception visit 3 to 6 months prior to attempting pregnancy allows you and your physician to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.
Core Pillars of Preconception Care
1. Targeted Folic Acid Supplementation
Per SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline No. 427, all individuals who could become pregnant should supplement with a daily multivitamin containing folic acid starting at least 2 to 3 months before conception:
- Standard Risk: 0.4 mg (400 mcg) daily is recommended for low-risk individuals without personal or family history of neural tube defects.
- Moderate to High Risk: Higher daily dosages (up to 4.0 mg to 5.0 mg) under physician supervision are indicated for individuals with pre-existing diabetes, obesity (BMI > 35), malabsorption disorders, or family history of neural tube defects.
2. Medication Safety Review
Many common medications (including certain blood pressure drugs like ACE inhibitors, acne treatments like isotretinoin, and anticonvulsants) are teratogenic. Never stop prescribed medications on your own; your physician will transition you to safer pregnancy-compatible alternatives before conception.
3. Immunity and Infectious Disease Screening
Blood work verifies immunity against rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox). Because these vaccines contain live attenuated virus, they cannot be administered during pregnancy. If non-immune, vaccination is completed at least 4 weeks before attempting conception.
🌱 Book a Preconception Visit
Our family doctors at Medi Plus Clinic provide compassionate preconception counseling, baseline blood work, and prenatal transitions. Call 403-293-5454 to arrange your appointment. For acute pregnancy complications, visit Peter Lougheed Centre emergency or call Health Link at 811.
