Pregnancy – Getting Off to a Good Start

Pregnancy doesn’t begin with a positive test. Many things that are good for you and your baby can be set in motion beforehand—and some should even be taken care of before conception. A brief appointment with us before you become pregnant (known as preconception counseling) is well worth it. Here’s an overview of the most important points.

Start Taking Folic Acid Early

Folic acid significantly reduces the risk of “spina bifida” (neural tube defect) in the baby—but only if taken early enough, namely before conception. Therefore, start taking a supplement (at least 0.4 mg per day) one month before conception, if possible, and continue until the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy. Under certain circumstances—such as a previous pregnancy with a neural tube defect, diabetes, or certain medications—a significantly higher dose (4 to 5 mg) is necessary (SGGG 2025). We’ll work together to determine the right dose for you.

Check Vaccination and Immune Status

Some infections can be dangerous for the baby during pregnancy—it’s best to confirm your protection beforehand. We’ll review your vaccination record and draw blood if necessary:

• Rubella and chickenpox (varicella): If you are not protected, we will administer the vaccines before pregnancy. Because these are live vaccines, you should wait about one month after vaccination before trying to conceive.
• Other vaccinations: We’ll review your entire vaccination record and recommend filling any gaps now.

Manage underlying medical conditions well in advance

If you have a chronic condition—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a thyroid disorder, rheumatic disease, an autoimmune disorder, epilepsy, or a mental health condition—it should be thoroughly evaluated and managed as stably as possible before pregnancy. This significantly reduces the risks for you and your child.

It’s also important to review your medications: Some are not suitable during pregnancy and should be switched to a safe alternative in a timely manner—this sometimes requires some lead time. If in doubt, we’ll work with your treating specialists—and, if necessary, with a perinatal center—to determine what’s best to do before pregnancy. However, please never stop taking medication on your own; always talk to us first.

Lifestyle and Habits

What’s particularly worthwhile right now: quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight—all of these improve your chances of having a complication-free pregnancy. Also, be sure to discuss over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements with us; not all of them are safe during pregnancy.

Family and Personal History

Are there any known hereditary diseases in your family or your partner’s, or have you had pregnancy complications in the past? Please let us know—sometimes genetic counseling or special preparation in advance is advisable to ensure you get off to the best possible start.

Supplemental Insurance in a Timely Manner

Supplemental insurance for added comfort during childbirth must be purchased before pregnancy—it’s usually not possible to do so afterward. It allows you to choose your hospital and room, select your own doctor, and receive personalized care from a senior or affiliated physician. If this is something you’d like, it’s best to arrange it now.

Your Appointment with Us

We’ll go over all of this together at your leisure: a discussion about your health and medical history, a review of your vaccinations and medications, and a personalized plan to get you started. This way, you’ll be well-prepared for your pregnancy—to learn what happens next, read → “Being Pregnant.”