High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Pre-conception counseling (also called pre-conceptual counseling) is based on the medical theory that all women of child-bearing years should be pre-screened for health and risk potentials before attempting to become pregnant. Physicians and baby experts recommend that a woman visit her physician as soon as the woman is contemplating having a child, and optimally around 3 to 6 months before actual attempts are made to conceive. This time frame allows a woman to better prepare her body for successful conception (fertilization) and pregnancy, and allows her to reduce any health risks which are within her control. Agencies such as the March of Dimes have developed screening tools that physicians can use with their patients. In addition, obstetricians (see Obstetrics and General Practitioner) have developed comprehensive check-lists and assessments for the woman who is planning to become pregnant.