The Essential First Step Before Pregnancy Most People Overlook

If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, there’s a lot to consider — from finances and childcare to baby names and breastfeeding. But according to the maternity care experts at Torrance Memorial Health, the first (and most important) step when thinking about becoming pregnant is to schedule a preconception appointment with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN).

What is a preconception appointment?

During the appointment, your OB/GYN will answer questions, provide education, and review your overall health — including personal and family health history, medications, nutrition, and activity levels — to identify and address pregnancy-related risk factors.

“The purpose of a preconception appointment is to optimize your health before you become pregnant,” said Sunetris K. Fluellen, M.D., Torrance Memorial Physician Network OB/GYN. “We want to make sure your vaccinations are up to date, your medications are pregnancy-safe, and any chronic health conditions are under control. We also want to answer any questions you may have and address any of your concerns.”

The Torrance Memorial Physician Network offers the full continuum of obstetrics, gynecology, and infertility services, including preventive check-ups, prenatal care, and disease detection and treatment. 

Other topics that may be discussed during a preconception appointment include work-related issues that could affect pregnancy, prior surgeries, previous pregnancy complications, substance use, genetic counseling and testing, and mental health history.

Why is a preconception appointment important?

According to Dr. Fluellen, preconception appointments allow you and your care team to make a prenatal care plan that increases your chances of having a safe, healthy pregnancy.

“During the appointment, we’ll discuss how to track ovulation and time sex to increase the chances of pregnancy,” said Dr. Fluellen. “We’ll also discuss prenatal vitamins, ‘red flag’ physical or mental health symptoms that warrant a call to the doctor, and any health or pregnancy-related risks you may have.”

Although preconception appointments are especially beneficial sources of education and reassurance for first-time moms-to-be, Dr. Fluellen highlighted their importance for all prospective moms.

“Having a preconception appointment before each pregnancy allows us to update your health history and discuss how to manage any previous pregnancy complications,” said Dr. Fluellen. “Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, having a preconception appointment can help you understand your risks, optimize your physical and mental health, and ease any anxiety you may be feeling.”

Dr. Sunetris Fluellen, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, earned her undergraduate degree at Western Kentucky University and received her medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her residency training at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Fluellen treats a full range of issues including high risk and normal pregnancies, adolescent gynecology, infertility, and menopause. Her surgical training emphasizes minimally-invasive surgery including laparoscopy, Da Vinci robotic surgery, hysteroscopy, and endometrial ablation. She also performs urogynecologic procedures including TVT urinary incontinence slings, Interstim incontinence therapy, vaginal fistula repair, and cystoscopy.

She is based in Torrance and is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 310-784-6822.