Planning to conceive a baby is an exciting time. It’s also an ideal time to optimise your own health and wellbeing. Here are some things that are worth considering now:
- Is your Cervical Screening Test (CST) up to date? As of July 2022, many women are now eligible for a self-collected CST.
- Are you taking a pre-conception / pregnancy multivitamin? It is recommended to start taking folic acid at least four weeks prior to conception, and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is worth discussing with your GP what dose is right for you. Iodine supplementation is important in pregnancy. In some women, it may be worth checking other vitamin and mineral levels, and supplementing these if required too.
- Have you considered genetic carrier screening? This is a blood or saliva test that can give you and your partner information about your chance of having a child with an inherited genetic condition. There are both limited and extended panels available. For more information, have a chat to your GP.
- Have you considered haemoglobinopathy carrier screening? Haemoglobinopathies are inherited blood disorders. A simple Full Blood Count blood test is recommended for all women, and a genetic blood test is available for people at higher risk.
- Are you immune to rubella, measles, mumps, Hep B, and varicella? If not, it is recommended to be immunised against these infectious diseases prior to pregnancy.
- Do you have any current physical or mental health issues that need to be addressed or checked up on? Are you taking any medications that may need to be safety-checked for pregnancy? Did you have any complications in a prior pregnancy? These are all important things to let your GP know so they can provide the best support and advice.
- Do you smoke? It is recommended to avoid alcohol, smoking and illicit drugs in pregnancy. GPs are experienced in assisting people to quit smoking.
At a pre-conception GP check-up, it’s routine to check your blood pressure and weight, listen to your heart and offer a breast examination.
For all future parents, it is important to optimise your mental and physical wellbeing prior to conceiving. It’s a great time to improve your diet, start a regular exercise regime, and review your weight goals. Your GP can support you in this and refer on to other healthcare professionals to assist as well.
Most couples conceive within 12 months. If you are not pregnant after 12 months of having unprotected sex, or six months if you are over 35, it is worth seeing your GP.
If you’d like to organise a pre-conception appointment with one of our Women’s Health GPs, call us now on 6373 0125.
Written by Dr Elizabeth Lissiman, General Practitioner