A preconception consultation is a medical visit that takes place before you actively try to become pregnant. It is a time to ask questions, review your health, adjust medicines, start supplements and plan pregnancy in a safe and calm way.
In Lisbon, Dra. Joana Faria offers preconception consultations in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. She sees women and couples who are thinking about pregnancy soon, in the medium term or who are simply unsure about the right timing.
This page explains what happens in a preconception visit, who can benefit, which exams are usually recommended and how preconception care fits into the broader maternal-fetal medicine and delivery follow up.
What it is
A preconception consultation is a structured assessment before pregnancy. The goal is not to tell you when you must become pregnant, but to help you understand your situation and reduce avoidable risks.
During the consultation, Dra. Joana Faria typically:
- Listens to your story, including menstrual pattern, previous pregnancies, losses, surgeries and contraception.
- Reviews your medical history, such as hypertension, thyroid problems, diabetes, autoimmune disease, clotting disorders or depression.
- Checks your current medicines and supplements to identify which ones are safe in pregnancy and which may need to be changed.
- Asks about family history of genetic or hereditary conditions and previous complications in close relatives.
- Discusses your lifestyle, including sleep, stress, exercise, alcohol, tobacco and other habits that may influence fertility and pregnancy.
The consultation is also a space to talk about your expectations, fears and practical questions, such as work, travel, support at home and how pregnancy might impact your daily life.
Who can benefit and when to book
Almost any woman or couple who is considering pregnancy can benefit from a preconception consultation, even if you feel healthy. However, it is particularly important in some situations.
You may want to book if:
- You are thinking about trying for a baby in the next months or year and would like to prepare in advance.
- You are over 35 years old and want to understand how age influences fertility and pregnancy risks.
- You have a chronic disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, kidney or heart disease, thyroid disorder or autoimmune disease.
- You take long term medication, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, antiepileptics or biological therapies.
- You had previous miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, preeclampsia, growth restriction or other complications.
- You underwent gynecologic surgery that could affect fertility or pregnancy, for example surgery for endometriosis, myomas or ovarian cysts.
- You or your partner have a known genetic condition or there is a strong family history of hereditary disease.
In general, it is better to plan the visit at least a few months before trying to conceive. This gives time to complete vaccines, adjust medicines, stabilise chronic conditions and start folic acid or other supplements if indicated.
Preconception assessment: exams and what to expect
The exams requested during a preconception consultation depend on your personal history. There is no single panel that is ideal for everyone. After the clinical discussion and examination, Dra. Joana Faria recommends targeted tests.
These may include:
- Basic blood and urine tests to check blood count, iron status, kidney and liver function, blood sugar and thyroid function.
- Serology for infections that are relevant in pregnancy, according to your vaccination history and country of origin.
- Hormonal profile and ovarian reserve tests in selected cases, especially if there is concern about fertility or age.
- Genetic carrier screening when indicated by family history or origin, or if you wish to discuss specific conditions.
- Gynecologic ultrasound to evaluate uterus and ovaries, especially after surgery, when periods are irregular or when there is a history of fibroids, endometriosis or ovarian cysts.
In addition, there is a review of vaccination status. Some vaccines are recommended before pregnancy and cannot be given later in the first months of gestation. Planning ahead allows you to be protected at the right time.
Care plan and lifestyle measures
At the end of the consultation, you receive a clear plan adapted to your situation. This usually includes:
- Recommendations about when to start trying for pregnancy and whether any waiting period is advisable.
- Adjustments in your usual medication if needed, with coordination with your other doctors when appropriate.
- Advice on folic acid and other supplements, tailored to your risk profile.
- Individual guidance on weight, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management.
- Information about when to stop contraception and how to transition from contraception to preconception care.
- When appropriate, referral to fertility specialists, internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology or genetics for shared care.
The idea is not to impose a perfect lifestyle, but to help you find realistic changes that can make a difference for you and your future baby.
How Dra. Joana Faria approaches preconception care
Dra. Joana Faria considers preconception care a key part of respectful maternal-fetal medicine. She knows that decisions about pregnancy are deeply personal and that timing is influenced by emotional, professional and family factors.
In her work she:
- Creates a calm environment where you can talk openly about your wishes, doubts and fears, without pressure.
- Explains clearly which risks are real and which are often exaggerated, so that you can focus on what is truly important.
- Involves your partner when you wish, recognising pregnancy as a project for the couple or family.
- Coordinates care with other specialists when necessary, so that you receive consistent recommendations.
- Ensures continuity from preconception consultation to pregnancy surveillance, delivery and post partum follow up.
The goal is that you start your pregnancy feeling prepared, informed and supported, with a realistic plan that respects your health and your personal life.
