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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What tests should you do before you get pregnant?

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    Trying To Conceive Women's Health
    My partner and i are ready to start a family. Should i be seeing my GP before we start? Are there any tests i need to do beforehand to make sure i am healthy to fall pregnant?
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Karin Hammarberg
    • Dr Carolyn Ee
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  • Dr Karin Hammarberg

    Registered Nurse

    Karin is a Research Fellow at the Jean Hailes Research Unit at Monash University and Senior Research Officer at the Victorian Assisted Reproduction Treatment Authority.Karin … View Profile

    I would recommend that both you and your partner see your GP for a pre-conception health check-up. He or she will order any tests you may need to have and give you advice about pregnancy health. Good luck!

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  • Dr Carolyn Ee

    Acupuncturist, GP (General Practitioner)

    I'm a Sydney GP with a special interest in women's health especially menopause and TTC ( trying to conceive). I specialise in acupuncture, and am … View Profile

    Hello and congratulations on your decision to start a family!

    A visit to your GP is an excellent idea. He/she will review your medical history to see if there are any chronic problems that need special management in pregnancy, eg Vitamin D or iron deficiency.

    He will also ask about any family history in your family or your partner's family that may need to be screened for eg Thalassemia.

    Your immunity against some infectious diseases that can affect your unborn baby will also be tested, eg Rubella, Chickenpox.

    Also, your GP will ask about specific hazards to your baby with regard to your work.

    This is a great time to have a chat about a healthy lifestyle to improve chances of conception and of having a healthy baby - smoking, alcohol, diet and exercise and caffeine intake will be discussed.

    Your GP will ask about your periods and advise about how to predict ovulation and time intercourse to maximise chances of conception.

    Well done on planning ahead - it will have a positive impact on your conception journey for sure.

    The Your Fertility website has good information for you yourfertility.org.au

    Good luck!

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