1300 241 654
admin@oasisfertilitycentre.com.au
GP Resources Here
Make A Booking

Preparing for Pregnancy

Preparing for pregnancy is the first step to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby/babies.

At Oasis we encourage all our patients to see their regular GP or one of our Fertility GPs prior to trying to conceive.

Pre-pregnancy care should involve the following

  1. Optimizing Health and Nutrition: Pre-conception care focuses on improving overall health and nutrition for both partners. A balanced diet with essential nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, and vitamins, is vital for the healthy development of the baby during the early stages of pregnancy. Ensuring that both partners are in good health can positively impact fertility and support a healthy pregnancy.
  2. Addressing Chronic Conditions: If either partner has chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders, pre-conception care helps manage these conditions effectively. Well-controlled chronic conditions reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and promote a healthier pregnancy journey.
  3. Identifying and Treating Infections: Pre-conception care includes screening for infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Detecting and treating infections before pregnancy is crucial to reduce the risk of passing them to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
  4. Managing Medications and Vaccinations: Some medications may not be safe during pregnancy, so it’s essential to review and adjust any ongoing medications with a healthcare provider. Additionally, ensuring that both partners are up-to-date with their vaccinations can protect the health of the baby (rubella and varicella immunity should be checked in women).
  5. Assessing Genetic Risks: Pre-conception care involves evaluating the family medical history for any genetic conditions or hereditary disorders. Understanding potential risks allows for informed decisions about genetic testing and counselling before conception.
  6. Achieving Healthy Weight: Both underweight and overweight conditions can affect fertility and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Pre-conception care helps individuals achieve a healthy weight range through diet and exercise, promoting a healthier pregnancy.
  7. Lifestyle Changes: Pre-conception care encourages positive lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding illicit drugs. These behaviours can have harmful effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
  8. Minimising Environmental Risks: Pre-conception care includes identifying and reducing exposure to environmental hazards, chemicals, and toxins that can affect fertility and fetal development.
  9. Emotional and Mental Health: Pre-conception care also considers emotional and mental health. Preparing for pregnancy can be emotionally challenging, and addressing stress and anxiety before conception can positively impact the well-being of both partners.
  10. Financial and Social Readiness: Pre-conception care involves discussions about financial readiness and social support. Planning for the costs associated with pregnancy and parenthood and establishing a support network are essential for a smoother pregnancy journey.

Pre-natal Vitamins

  • Folic Acid:
    • Folate is essential leading up to pregnancy and for the first three months of pregnancy to reduce the baby’s risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida).
    • Folate can be found in various foods;
    • In addition to diet it is recommended that women intending to become pregnant take 0.5mg of folic acid a day for one month before pregnancy and for the first three months after becoming pregnant.
      • Megafol (5mg of folic acid) is recommended if;
        • Previous pregnancy with neural tube defect
        • Family history of Neural tube defect
        • Certain medications ie. anti-epilepsy medication
        • Previous bariatric surgery
        • Obesity
  • Iodine:
    • Iodine is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in the healthy development of the baby’s brain and nervous system during pregnancy.
    • Iodine can be found in various foods such as seafood, iodised salt, eggs and bread.
    • In addition to diet it is recommended that women take a iodine supplement containing at least 150 mcg whilst pregnant and trying to conceive.