Family Planning

What is family planning?

Family planning helps you make informed decisions about whether and when you would like to become pregnant.

Depending on your goals, care may include:

• Choosing contraception
• Preparing for pregnancy
• Understanding your fertile window
• Planning the timing and spacing of pregnancies
• Reviewing medications and medical conditions before conception
• Discussing fertility concerns or permanent contraception

Your plan can be updated whenever your health or reproductive goals change.

What happens during a family-planning consultation?

Your provider reviews your pregnancy goals, menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, current contraception, medical history, medications, and any fertility concerns.

Together, you can develop a plan that reflects your health, values, lifestyle, and preferred timing for pregnancy.

How can I prepare for pregnancy?

A preconception visit may include:

• Reviewing medical conditions and medications
• Discussing prenatal vitamins, nutrition, and exercise
• Confirming recommended vaccinations
• Considering genetic carrier screening
• Addressing menstrual or gynecologic concerns
• Discussing how age may affect fertility and pregnancy

Do not stop a prescribed medication without first speaking with the clinician who manages it.

How can I identify my fertile window?

The fertile window includes the days leading up to and including ovulation.

You may estimate it by tracking:

• Menstrual cycle dates
• Cervical mucus changes
• Basal body temperature
• Urine ovulation predictor tests

Because ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle, your provider can help you understand the best timing for conception.

When should I seek help becoming pregnant?

An infertility evaluation is generally recommended:

• After 12 months of trying if you are age 35 or younger
• After six months if you are between ages 36 and 40
• Before trying or soon after beginning if you are older than 40

Earlier evaluation may be appropriate if you have irregular periods, endometriosis, prior pelvic surgery or infection, recurrent pregnancy loss, or another condition that may affect fertility.

Schedule a family-planning consultation

Family planning can help you prevent pregnancy, prepare for conception, understand fertility, and plan for your future family.

Call Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or request an appointment online to schedule a personalized family-planning consultation.