Preconception care helps identify health, medication and lifestyle factors that may affect pregnancy. It is useful whether pregnancy is planned soon or several months ahead.
Why a preconception visit matters
Important fetal development begins very early, sometimes before a pregnancy is recognised. A preconception visit allows time to optimise chronic conditions, review medicines and discuss any previous pregnancy complications.
The consultation may include blood pressure, weight and nutrition review, vaccination status, menstrual history, fertility concerns and relevant tests.
What to bring
Bring a list of medicines and supplements, vaccination records, details of previous pregnancies or surgeries, and information about diabetes, thyroid disease, hypertension, epilepsy, autoimmune disease or mental-health treatment.
Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Some medicines require adjustment, while stopping others abruptly may be harmful.
Nutrition and lifestyle
Ask your clinician about the folic-acid dose appropriate for you. Some people need a higher dose because of medical history or medicines.
Avoid tobacco and recreational drugs, discuss alcohol use, aim for regular physical activity, and seek support for sleep, stress, nutrition or weight concerns without crash dieting.
When to seek advice early
Arrange an early consultation if you have irregular periods, recurrent miscarriage, a previous preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, a genetic condition in the family, or difficulty conceiving.