When should I schedule a preconception visit?
Ideally before you start trying—ACOG outlines prepregnancy care and what gets covered.
At HEED, we recognize that preparing for pregnancy begins with ensuring that mothers are supported in achieving optimal health and well-being before conception. For mothers in recovery from substance use, this stage is especially important, as it provides an opportunity to stabilize health conditions, strengthen recovery, and plan for a healthy pregnancy.
Pre-conception clinical assessment and medical optimization involve a comprehensive approach to care. This may include reviewing medical history, managing chronic health conditions, addressing substance use treatment needs, supporting mental and behavioral health, and ensuring access to appropriate medications and care plans. When provided in a coordinated and compassionate manner, this care helps reduce risks and improve outcomes for both mother and child.
Through our work across the SouthCoast and Rhode Island, we see that early engagement with healthcare providers allows mothers to enter pregnancy with greater stability, confidence, and support. Access to integrated care—across primary care, behavioral health, and recovery services—plays a critical role in this process.
This section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide is designed to connect mothers to clinical providers, screening tools, and healthcare resources that support pre-conception health and readiness. These services are most effective when they are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with the needs of mothers in recovery.
Grounded in the science of early development and The Basics, we understand that healthy pregnancies begin with healthy, supported caregivers. By prioritizing pre-conception health, we are strengthening the foundation for positive birth outcomes and lifelong development.
Because every child deserves a strong start.
Ideally before you start trying—ACOG outlines prepregnancy care and what gets covered.
A list of meds/supplements, vaccine records, prior pregnancy history, and family history.
Yes—ACOG recommends folic acid for women of reproductive age; dosing varies by risk history.
ACOG recommends reviewing and updating immunizations as part of prepregnancy counseling.
ACOG notes carrier screening ideally occurs before pregnancy so families have more options.
ACOG emphasizes planning and optimizing health before pregnancy for best outcomes.
ACOG states losing weight before pregnancy is the best way to lower obesity-related risks.
ACOG recommends medication reconciliation and teratogenic risk review as part of counseling.
Preconception counseling can identify needed treatment and assess pregnancy-related risk.
ACOG frames prepregnancy counseling as appropriate across the reproductive life course.
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We welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions, resources, or updates to share, please email us at Bto5Guide@heedcoalition.org. Your input helps us keep this guide relevant, responsive, and community-informed.
Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
