Back to all articles

If you’re thinking about starting or growing your family, a little preparation before conception can make a meaningful difference to your health and the health of a future pregnancy. 

A preconception health check gives you an opportunity to review your medical history, medications, vaccinations, lifestyle and any factors that may affect fertility or pregnancy. It can also help identify health issues that are best managed before you start trying to conceive. 

Australian guidance recommends speaking with a doctor before pregnancy where possible, particularly if you have an existing medical condition, take regular medication or have concerns about fertility.

What Is a Preconception Health Check? 

A preconception health check is a GP appointment focused on your health before pregnancy. 

The goal is not to perform every possible test. Instead, your GP will review your individual circumstances and identify any areas that may benefit from attention before conception. 

A pregnancy consultation may include discussion of: 

Your partner’s health may also be relevant, particularly when discussing fertility, lifestyle and genetic screening. 

When Should You Book a Pre-Pregnancy Health Check? 

Ideally, book your preconception health check before you start trying to conceive.  

This allows time to: 

Healthdirect advises most people planning pregnancy to start folic acid about 12 weeks before trying to conceive and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.  

If you are already trying or have just discovered you are pregnant, it is not too late. Book a GP appointment so appropriate care can begin. 

1. Review Your Medical History 

Your GP will usually begin by discussing your overall health. 

This may include conditions such as: 

Some conditions can affect pregnancy, while pregnancy can also change how certain conditions are managed. 

The aim is to ensure your health is as stable as possible before conception and that you have an appropriate care plan in place. 

2. Review All Medicines and Supplements 

One of the most important parts of pregnancy preventive care is reviewing anything you currently take. 

This includes: 

Some medicines are safe to continue during pregnancy, while others may need to be changed or carefully monitored. 

Do not stop prescribed medication on your own because you are planning pregnancy. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes create greater risks than continuing it. 

Instead, discuss your medications with your GP during your preconception health check so any changes can be made safely. Healthdirect also recommends checking medicines and complementary products with a doctor or pharmacist during pregnancy planning.  

3. Start Folic Acid Before Pregnancy 

Folic acid is one of the most important supplements to begin before conception. 

Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. 

Most people planning pregnancy are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, beginning around 12 weeks before conception and continuing through the first trimester.  

Some people require a higher dose because of medical history or other risk factors. Your GP can advise what dose is appropriate for you. 

4. Ask About Iodine 

Iodine is also important during pregnancy because it supports fetal brain and nervous system development. 

Australian pregnancy guidance recommends iodine supplementation for many people who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding.  

However, iodine requirements may need individual consideration if you have thyroid disease, so discuss supplementation with your GP as part of your preconception health check before starting.

5. Check Your Vaccinations 

Pregnancy planning is a good time to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Your GP may review your vaccination status as part of your preconception health check, including immunity to illnesses such as:  

Rubella and chickenpox vaccination are particularly important to review before conception because live vaccines used for these conditions are not routinely given during pregnancy. 

Healthdirect recommends checking immunity and vaccination status before pregnancy, including rubella and chickenpox where appropriate.  

If you need a live vaccine, your GP will advise how long to wait before trying to conceive. 

6. Review Your Cervical Screening 

Your GP may check whether you are up to date with cervical screening. 

If your Cervical Screening Test is due, completing it before pregnancy can simplify preventive care and ensure any abnormal results are followed up appropriately. 

Screening recommendations depend on your age, previous results and individual history. 

7. Consider STI Screening 

Sexually transmitted infections can sometimes affect fertility or pregnancy and may be present without symptoms. 

Depending on your history and risk factors, your GP may discuss testing for infections such as: 

This is a normal part of reproductive healthcare and can be discussed confidentially. 

8. Discuss Genetic Carrier Screening 

Genetic carrier screening can be an important part of a preconception health check, helping identify whether you or your partner carry genetic variants associated with certain inherited conditions.

Preconception carrier screening may include conditions such as: 

Other testing may be recommended based on family history or ancestry. 

The RACGP notes that pre-pregnancy genetic counselling and carrier screening can help couples understand their chance of having a child affected by certain inherited conditions and discuss reproductive options where appropriate.  

You do not need to have a known family history to discuss carrier screening. 

9. Check Blood Pressure and General Health 

A simple blood pressure check can provide useful information before pregnancy. 

Your GP may also assess: 

Routine blood testing is not identical for every person planning pregnancy. Your GP will decide which investigations are appropriate based on your individual risk factors. 

For more information about what a broader GP health assessment may involve, see our guide to What Is a Health Assessment and Who Should Have One? 

10. Optimise Chronic Health Conditions 

If you live with a chronic condition, a preconception health check can help ensure it is well managed before pregnancy and reduce potential complications.

For example: 

Diabetes: Blood glucose management before conception is particularly important because elevated glucose during early pregnancy can increase risks for both parent and baby. 

High blood pressure: Some blood pressure medicines may need to be changed before conception. 

Thyroid disease: Thyroid hormone requirements can change during pregnancy, so appropriate monitoring is important. 

Epilepsy: Anti-seizure medications should be reviewed before conception, but should never be stopped without specialist advice. 

Your GP may coordinate care with an obstetrician or another specialist where needed.

11. Talk About Nutrition and Weight Without Crash Dieting 

Healthy nutrition before pregnancy supports fertility, maternal health and fetal development. 

A balanced eating pattern generally includes: 

If weight management is relevant to your health, gradual sustainable changes are generally preferable to restrictive diets. 

Pregnancy planning is not the time for crash dieting, prolonged fasting or extreme dietary restriction. 

An Accredited Practising Dietitian may be helpful if you have specific nutritional needs or medical conditions. 

12. Stop Smoking and Vaping 

Smoking and vaping can affect fertility and pregnancy health. 

If you smoke or vape, pregnancy planning is a good opportunity to seek support to quit. 

Your GP can discuss appropriate cessation strategies and help you find options that are suitable while trying to conceive. 

Healthdirect advises avoiding smoking and vaping when preparing for pregnancy.  

13. Avoid Alcohol When Trying to Conceive 

Australian health guidance recommends avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. 

Because pregnancy may not be recognised immediately after conception, people actively trying to become pregnant are generally advised to avoid alcohol. 

If reducing alcohol feels difficult, your GP can provide confidential support. 

14. Review Caffeine Intake 

Caffeine is found in: 

You do not necessarily need to stop caffeine completely when planning pregnancy, but intake should be kept within pregnancy recommendations once pregnant. 

Discuss your usual intake with your GP if you are unsure. 

15. Look After Your Mental Health 

Preparing for pregnancy can bring excitement, anxiety or both. 

Your GP may ask about: 

If you already receive mental health treatment, preconception planning provides an opportunity to discuss how treatment can safely continue during pregnancy. 

Good mental health care should be part of pregnancy planning, not something postponed until after conception. 

What About Your Partner’s Health? 

Preconception health is relevant to both partners. 

For males, factors that may influence sperm health and fertility include: 

Pregnancy Birth and Baby notes that improving health before conception can support sperm quality and the chance of a successful pregnancy.  

A partner can also speak with their GP if they have health or fertility concerns. 

How to Get Pregnant: Understanding Timing 

If you are wondering how to get pregnant, understanding your menstrual cycle can help.

Pregnancy is most likely when intercourse occurs during the fertile window around ovulation. 

However, fertility varies between individuals and naturally declines with age, particularly after the mid-30s. 

You do not need complex tracking unless you find it helpful. Regular intercourse throughout the cycle is sufficient for many couples. 

If pregnancy is taking longer than expected, a preconception health check can help your GP review relevant health and fertility factors and determine whether further fertility assessment is appropriate.

When Should You Ask for Fertility Help? 

As a general principle, seek medical advice earlier if you: 

Age also affects when fertility assessment may be appropriate. Pregnancy Birth and Baby recommends discussing conception and preconception health with your doctor, especially when trying for pregnancy after 35.  

Your GP can advise when investigation or specialist referral is appropriate for your circumstances. 

What Should You Bring to Your Pregnancy Consultation? 

To make the most of your appointment, consider bringing: 

You do not need to have everything organised before attending. Your GP can help work through each area with you. 

Planning for Pregnancy? The Peninsula MDC Can Help

If you’re preparing to start a family, a preconception health check can help you understand what to address before trying to conceive. At The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic, our experienced GPs can provide personalised guidance based on your health, medical history and pregnancy plans.

Your appointment may include reviewing medications and supplements, checking vaccination status, discussing lifestyle and nutrition, reviewing existing health conditions, and identifying any screening or further investigations that may be appropriate. Our team also provides women’s health and pregnancy care to support you through different stages of your reproductive health.

Whether you are just starting to think about pregnancy or have already begun trying, speaking with a GP can help you take practical steps towards a healthy pregnancy.

Book a preconception consultation with The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic in Mornington and start your pregnancy planning with personalised medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What should a pre-pregnancy health check include? 

A preconception health check  may include medical history, medications, vaccinations, supplements, chronic health conditions, cervical screening, sexual health, genetic carrier screening, lifestyle and fertility discussions. 

How long before trying to conceive should I see my GP? 

Ideally, arrange a preconception health check  several months before you plan to start trying. This allows time to begin folic acid, review medications, update vaccines and address any health concerns. 

When should I start taking folic acid? 

Starting folic acid is an important part of a preconception health check and pregnancy planning. Most people are advised to start 400 micrograms of folic acid daily around 12 weeks before trying to conceive and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some people require a different dose.  

Do I need blood tests before pregnancy? 

Not everyone requires the same tests. Your GP may recommend blood tests based on your medical history, vaccination status, risk factors and individual circumstances. 

Should my partner attend the preconception appointment? 

They can. A preconception health check can be useful for both partners, as your partner’s health may also affect fertility and pregnancy planning. Some couples find it helpful to discuss lifestyle, family history and genetic carrier screening together. 

Can my GP help if I am having trouble getting pregnant? 

Yes. A preconception health check can help your GP review your menstrual history, health and fertility risk factors, arrange initial investigations where appropriate and refer you to specialist fertility care if needed. 

The Bottom Line 

Pregnancy preventive care begins before a pregnancy test turns positive. 

A preconception health check provides an opportunity to optimise your health, review medications and vaccinations, start appropriate supplements, discuss genetic screening and address medical or lifestyle factors that could affect pregnancy. 

You do not need to arrive with a perfect diet, perfect health or all the answers. The purpose of a pregnancy consultation is to understand your individual circumstances and create a practical plan for the healthiest possible start to pregnancy. 

References 

Pregnancy Birth and Baby – Planning for Pregnancy  

Healthdirect Australia – Planning for Your Pregnancy  

Pregnancy Birth and Baby – Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy  

RACGP – Preconception Care  

Healthdirect Australia – Medicines During Pregnancy  

Pregnancy Birth and Baby – Preconception Health for Males