If you are in the pregnancy planning stage, please consider making an appointment to visit before starting to try for a pregnancy.

In your pregnancy planning consultation, I discuss:

• any existing health problems you or your partner may have and what may need to be done to optimise it prior to pregnancy

• take your medical history to learn about medical problems in your families, and discuss genetic carrier screening which, since November 1 2023, is now subsidised by medicare once in a person’s lifetime

• review your immunisation history, arrange blood tests and organise any pre-pregnancy vaccinations

  • It is common for women to require a top up of the “measles, mumps, and rubella” vaccine or chickenpox vaccines, which being a “live” vaccine, means you would not be recommended to try for a pregnancy in the 28 days after receiving this vaccine

• discuss importance and role of pregnancy supplements - specifically folate, iodine and Vitamin D. This is recommended from one month prior to conception

  • The pregnancy multivitamin you choose should have at least 500mcg of folate, 150mcg of iodine and 500IU of Vitamin D

    • Some people may require a higher dose of folate to reduce the baby’s risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida). I tailor this advice to you during your appointment

• discuss lifestyle considerations, such as:

  • weight - as it can impact on your ability to conceive, and depending on if you are underweight or overweight - may put you at risk of pregnancy complications

  • alcohol and drug use - it is strongly recommended to abstain from alcohol and drug use during pregnancy as it may lead to harm to yourself and baby

  • cigarettes - smoking has been associated with infertility, increased chances of miscarriage and affects long-term health of babies.

You may also need pre-pregnancy health checks

• It is recommended that your cervical screening test (CST) is up to date but can be undertaken safely in early pregnancy

• Screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as ideally STIs should be treated before pregnancy

• A general dental check-up is advised before you become pregnant. Dental treatment is also safe during your pregnancy. Pregnancy can affect your dental health due to changes in your hormones and eating habits. Morning sickness and reflux can also increase the chance of tooth damage.

• Discuss all medications - prescribed, over the counter, supplements - you are taking with before you get pregnant

• Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, if you have a diagnosed mental health condition, we may need to discuss how to manage and optimise your mental health during pregnancy, birth and afterwards. If you are currently taking medication, this may need to be managed differently during pregnancy.