Pre-pregnancy care is a chance to look at your health, medicines and support before conception. A useful place to start is a GP appointment, a folic acid supplement and a review of your vaccination history. You do not have to have everything perfectly organised before asking for help.
If possible, book a preconception appointment a few months before you plan to try. If you are already trying, or have just found out you are pregnant, arrange care now rather than feeling you have missed your chance to prepare.
What to cover at a preconception appointment
Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, and any information you have about previous pregnancies, periods, vaccinations and family health history. Your GP can help you prioritise:
- Management of existing conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, asthma or mental health conditions.
- Any previous pregnancy complications, fertility concerns or pregnancy losses.
- Vaccinations, cervical screening if due, and appropriate tests for infections, including sexually transmitted infections.
- Nutrition, movement, dental care, smoking or vaping, alcohol and other substance use.
- Mental wellbeing, support at home and any practical barriers to getting care.
Healthdirect’s pregnancy-planning guide explains what a preconception consultation can include. Your care should suit your health, culture, family structure and route to pregnancy.
Start folic acid before pregnancy
Folic acid helps reduce the chance of neural tube defects, which affect the developing brain and spine. For most people planning pregnancy, a daily supplement containing 400 to 500 micrograms of folic acid is suitable. Start at least one month before trying and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and have not started, begin as soon as you can and check the dose with your pharmacist or GP.
Some people need a higher prescribed dose, including those with certain medical conditions, medicines or a personal or family history of neural tube defects. Ask your doctor what is right for you rather than increasing the dose yourself. Avoid doubling up on pregnancy multivitamins and separate supplements. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s folate guidance covers usual and higher-dose needs.
Check iodine and other supplements
The NHMRC recommends an iodine supplement of 150 micrograms each day when considering pregnancy, throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you have a thyroid condition, speak to your doctor before starting iodine. Check the label of any pregnancy supplement you already take so you do not add an unnecessary second dose. See the NHMRC iodine recommendation.
Other supplements depend on your diet, health and blood-test results. Iron or vitamin D may be recommended when needed; they are not a reason to take every product marketed for pregnancy. Ask a pharmacist, GP or dietitian to check the ingredients, especially vitamin A in the form of retinol. High doses can be harmful in pregnancy. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby explains supplement safety.
Review medicines without stopping them yourself
Include prescriptions, medicines bought without a prescription, herbal products and other supplements in your review. Some treatments may need changing before conception, but stopping needed treatment can also cause harm. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without advice from your prescriber. Ask for an individual plan, including what to do if you become pregnant sooner than expected. Healthdirect’s medicine guidance explains why this review matters.
Check vaccines before you start trying
Ask your GP to check your vaccination records and whether you need any catch-up vaccines, particularly protection against rubella and chickenpox. MMR and chickenpox vaccines are live vaccines and are not given during pregnancy. After MMR or chickenpox vaccination, the Australian Immunisation Handbook advises avoiding pregnancy for 28 days. Ask your vaccination provider how this applies to your course and plans.
Pregnancy also has its own vaccine recommendations, including influenza, whooping cough and RSV at the appropriate stages. Discuss the current schedule with your healthcare team. The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides up-to-date guidance for before, during and after pregnancy.
Make everyday changes that are manageable
Regular meals with a variety of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, protein foods and dairy or suitable alternatives can support your nutritional needs. The Australian Government’s Eat for Health guidance is a useful reference. If you have a restricted diet, a history of disordered eating or concerns about weight, ask for personalised advice. Pregnancy preparation should not become a crash diet. A dietitian can help you work with foods you enjoy and can access.
Australian guidance recommends not drinking alcohol when planning a pregnancy or during pregnancy. If you need support with alcohol or other substance use, speak to a health professional so you can make a safe plan. Read the NHMRC alcohol guidance.
Ask for help to stop smoking or vaping and reduce exposure to other people’s smoke. A GP, pharmacist or Quitline on 13 7848 can help you find support. If you have a partner, this is something you can work on together. Make room for regular physical activity you can sustain, rest and support for your mental health.
Tell your GP about work with chemicals, radiation or infection exposure, and any planned travel. Book a dental check-up if you are due. RANZCOG’s pre-pregnancy guidance includes dental health and travel alongside medical preparation.
Ask about reproductive and genetic care
Discuss how and when to stop contraception, especially if an IUD or implant needs removal, or if treatment or vaccination needs to happen before conception. If you have irregular periods, a known fertility condition, need donor eggs or sperm, or are considering fertility treatment, ask for advice early.
Genetic carrier screening is a choice to discuss before pregnancy, even if there is no known inherited condition in your family. It looks for certain genetic changes that could affect a future child. Ask what the test covers, its limits, possible results and costs, and whether genetic counselling would help. Screening cannot guarantee a healthy baby. The NSW Centre for Genetics Education has a guide to reproductive carrier screening.
A practical starting point
Book the appointment, take your medicine and supplement list, and write down the questions that matter most to you. A good preconception plan should leave you knowing what to do next and who to contact if circumstances change.
For timing and fertility advice, read trying to get pregnant. If your period is late or you think pregnancy is possible, our pregnancy-test guide covers testing and follow-up.
This is general health information for Australian readers. Supplement doses, medicines, vaccination and pregnancy planning should be personalised with a qualified health professional.