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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is good advice for planning a pregnancy?

    Related Topics
    Infertility Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Women's Health
    My partner and I have decided we are ready to try for a baby.

    I was looking to get some professional advice please.
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  • Women's Health Queensland Wide

    Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    It's great that you are preparing for pregnancy in this manner and getting all the information you need ahead of time. Please click on the link to our preconception and pregnancy health fact sheet.
    .http://www.womhealth.org.au/pregnancy-and-parenting/208-preconception-and-pregnancy-health
    Good luck
    Brenda

    Women’s Health Educator
    Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide
     
    Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).
     
    Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer
     
     

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    Thanks

    Dr David Moore

    Gynaecologist, Gynaecologist - Infertility (IVF) Specialist, Obstetrician

    David received a solid foundation to training in tertiary obstetric units and has developed skills in the management of complex and high-risk pregnancies and deliveries. … View Profile

    A very exciting time for you!

    I would strongly suggest you see your GP regarding your plans.  Part of optimal pre-pregnancy preparation includes getting your Pap smear up-to-date, having prenatal screening blood and urine tests, and a general health review, check-up, and examination - your GP is well-placed to provide all of this for you.

    Many GPs have a particular interest in women's health and pregnancy, and will usually mention this fact on their website (or their reception team would know if you make an enquiry).

    If you happen to be “high risk” (e.g. have significant pre-existing medical conditions), your GP may refer you to a specialist obstetrician for further pre-pregnancy counselling/management.

    Good luck!!

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  • Nikki Warren

    Naturopath

    Nikki Warren is committed to preconception care, natural fertility, and pregnancy through to postnatal care. Nikki is a degree qualified Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Doula and … View Profile

    It is best to consult with both your GP and a naturopath who specialises in preconception care so they can work together to maximise your health prior to conception.  I usually write a referral letter to a woman's GP to keep them informed of the treatment plan they are following.  The treatment plan is based on results from blood tests.  I like to boost body stores of minerals, in particular iron and zinc prior to pregnancy because these two minerals can aggravate morning sickness and may need to be avoided during the first trimester.

    I don't believe in “standard” pregnancy multivitamins because a woman's nutrient requirements are very unique.  I prefer to design a custom made vitamin and mineral supplement for her based on the results of blood tests.

    It is essential to have a hair tissue mineral analysis for both partners to detect heavy metal toxicity and detoxify those metals from the body prior to conception.  Heavy metals easily cross the placenta and can affect the development of the foetus.  They also affect a man's sperm quality, in particular sperm motility and morphology.  More information on this can be found on the following website which also gives statistics on how successful this programme has been for couples who previously struggled with infertility - http://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk/

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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

    Congratulations! As the other posters have pointed out, this is an excellent time to visit your GP.

    Some of the things to consider before falling pregnant would be:
    - your age
    - your weight - there is an optimal weight for conceiving and minimising complications.
    - past medical problems
    - family history of genetic conditions that should be screened for
    - your immunity to certain viruses that can cause problems in pregnancy
    - your lifestyle, including smoking, caffeine, alcohol and substance use, exercise and diet
    - your partner's health, lifestyle and family history

    Your GP will also ask about your menstrual history and any gynaecological problems.

    You should be taking a folate supplement for at least 1 month before conceiving.

    It's fantastic that you are planning before falling pregnant. This will maximise your chances of having a healthy baby. Good luck!

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    Agree

    Louise Johnson

    Health Professional

    As Chief Executive Officer for the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority I am involved with administering aspects of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008. With … View Profile

    It is great to seek advice when planning a pregnancy for both you and your partner, as the health of both of you influences the chances of conception and a health pregnancy and baby. It is vaulable to see your doctor for a preconcpetion health check.  See www.yourfertility.org.au for the ‘Get ready to get pregnant’ information that you can use to have a conversation with your doctor. There is also a ‘Get-baby-ready’ questionnaire on the website (the Your Fertility project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing). Good luck!

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    Agree

    Nikki Warren

    Naturopath

    Nikki Warren is committed to preconception care, natural fertility, and pregnancy through to postnatal care. Nikki is a degree qualified Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Doula and … View Profile

    Thank you so much for putting this website on here Louise - it is full of excellent information and i'm thrilled to see that attention is paid to exposure to chemicals, pesticides, radiation as well as other dietary and lifestyle factors which impact on fertility.  I will share this on my business Facebook page today!

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