conception

Introduction

Fertilization of an oocyte by a spermatozoa, resulting in the ontogeny of an embryo.

Management

preconception risk assessment

• reproductive awareness
  • desire for pregnancy
  • number & timing of desired pregnancies
  • age-related changes in fertility
  • sexuality
  • contraception
• environmental hazzards & toxins
  • radiation exposure
  • heavy mean exposure, lead, mercury
• nutrition
  • healthy diet
  • folic acid consumption
  • restriction of fish high on the food chain
    • shark, swordfish ...
• genetics
  • family history of inherited disease
• substance abuse
  • alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs
• medical conditions
  • diabetes mellitus, seizure disorder, hypertension,asthma, thyroid disease, HIV1, lupus erythematosus
• medications
  • prescription drugs & OTC medications
• immunity & vaccinations
  • varicella, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B
• psychosocial concerns
  • depression
  • risk for abuse
    • physical abuse
    • sexual abuse
    • emotional abuse
  • interpersonal or family relationship concerns
• live birth rates similar for women who conceive within 3 months of a miscarriage compared with those who waited longer

Additional terms

• assisted reproduction technology (ART)
• pregnancy (gestation)