Before you jump into any big chapter of your life, it's best to do a little planning. The same goes for pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy consultations check for any possible risk factors you might face in pregnancy and give a way to resolve any medical issues before you fall pregnant. It's an opportunity to touch base on your holistic well-being so that you can have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
A pre-pregnancy consultation is essential for laying the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy. You'll get a complete check-up to identify any health issues or genetic concerns and learn more about your fertility.
It's also a good time to make sure any medications you take are pregnancy-safe and that your vaccinations are current.
Some health conditions, like depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, and being at an unhealthy weight, can impact your fertility and the health of your future pregnancy. Lifestyle factors, like smoking or misusing drugs, can also play a big role.
A pre-pregnancy consultation starts the process of managing these health issues and making positive lifestyle changes.
It’s also important to understand your fertile window and how to time intercourse to have a better chance of conception: https://www.fertilitysociety.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Understanding-ovulation-and-the-fertile-window.pdf
You can get a preconception checkup any time - even up to a year before you want to get pregnant.
Any couple thinking of having a baby should consider a pre-pregnancy consultation to better understand their health and fertility. It's a chance to raise any potential barriers to conception, optimise your overall health, and get some guidance on timing and lifestyle choices.
Addressing these factors early on is a big step towards a healthier pregnancy and creates a supportive foundation for starting a family.
If you have health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental health concerns, a pre-pregnancy consultation is essential. You want to plan around and manage these before pregnancy to lower risks for you and your baby.
Even if you've had a baby before, it’s wise to get a pre-pregnancy consultation - especially if you’ve had complications in past pregnancies. This includes preterm births, miscarriages, or a baby with birth defects.
In both fertility and pregnancy, a nourishing diet makes all the difference. You'll be advised on how to meet the nutritional needs of this chapter - like focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Important nutrients like folic acid help prevent birth defects, while omega-3s support brain development.
Staying active is important for your health and can help prepare your body for pregnancy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, like walking or swimming. Also, prioritise good sleep, manage stress, and maintain a healthy weight to boost your fertility and support a healthy pregnancy.
As mentioned earlier, smoking, alcohol and substance abuse should be avoided when you're planning for a baby. They can harm your fertility and your future little one.
If you're over the age of 35, there are special things to consider for your pregnancy. It can be harder to conceive and there's a higher risk of birth complications; your doctor or specialist can do health checks and give guidance to help you have a healthy baby.
Before your appointment, assemble any important medical information. This includes your medical history, vaccination records, and any previous pregnancy details if you have them. Note any ongoing health issues or medications you take. This will help your specialist give you the best advice for a healthy pregnancy.
Think about questions you want to ask during your visit. You might want to know about healthy eating, exercise tips, and any lifestyle changes you should consider. Don’t hesitate to ask about genetic testing, fertility concerns, and how your age could affect pregnancy.
My team and I are here to support you every step of the way, from preconception planning to achieving a healthy pregnancy.
With our expertise and your dedication to preparing for pregnancy, we look forward to helping you achieve your dream of becoming a parent.
For more information or to schedule a preconception consultation, please contact us. Let’s take the first step together toward a healthy pregnancy and a happy, healthy baby.
Still have questions? Chat to us!
A pre-pregnancy consultation helps optimize health for conception and covers:
Yes. Even in healthy individuals, a consultation can:
Costs vary by clinic and tests required. Contact your provider for specific pricing and Medicare rebate eligibility.
This consultation helps identify underlying fertility concerns and provides:
Genetic testing may be recommended for individuals with a family history of genetic conditions or recurrent pregnancy loss. Carrier screening can be performed to assess risk.
Bring:
Understanding the emotional journey couples endure when they have difficulty conceiving or recurrent pregnancy loss is essential to my approach.
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