Planning for Pregnancy

Planning for your Pregnancy

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, this is an ideal time to optimise all aspects of your health including your diet and exercise program. Research has confirmed what you eat in your pregnancy affects not only your health and your baby but the health of future generations.

A balanced diet and healthy exercise routine are very important throughout your pregnancy. Our dedicated team can assist you to optimise your health before you fall pregnant to optimise your pregnancy outcome.

Its best to start at least three months before pregnancy optimising all aspects of your health.

Before falling pregnant you should:

Tips before falling pregnant

Commence a folic acid supplement 500mcg daily (I Folic)
Stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking
Check your cervical screening is up to date
Have a medical check-up including a review of any medications or tablets you are taking
Check if you need a rubella vaccination
Have a blood test to check your thyroid, iron and vitamin D levels and general health
Arrange a pre-pregnancy appointment

Read more about Planning for your Pregnancy from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Why your weight matters in pregnancy

Achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy can improve your fertility. Studies have found a weight loss of only 5% can restore menstrual cycles and improve fertility for women who are overweight or have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).

Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is also important to support the health of your baby, and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

Our dietician and physiotherapists can help you with an individualised meal and plan and exercise program to help achieve the best results in your pregnancy.

Read more about Why your Weight Matters During Pregnancy from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Pre-pregnancy Genetic screening

Every normal human has 23 pairs of chromosomes which carry thousands of genes to make us all unique. All of us carry several abnormal genes on our chromosomes and it is possible prior to pregnancy to test you and your partner to determine if either of you carry any of the commonest genetic abnormalities on your chromosomes.

Your Obstetrician will take a detailed family medical history to determine if expanded genetic screening is necessary to provide you and your partner with valuable genetic information before you fall pregnant.

Did you know?

Read more on Genetic Screening before Pregnancy from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Debriefing previous Pregnancy and Birth Experiences

Not all pregnancies and deliveries go to plan and there can be significant emotional, psychological, and physical issues arising from past pregnancy or delivery experience. There is much support out there for couples and families to support you through a difficult birth related experience.

It is very important that women and their partners are provided with an opportunity to debrief and address any issues that arise during their past pregnancy and delivery especially if you are planning another child. A pre pregnancy visit can provide a valuable opportunity to unpack the issues and provide emotional , and physical support before embarking on another pregnancy.

If you need support following a difficult pregnancy or delivery experience, then please talk with your Obstetrician, GP, and consider the free resources available through the Australasian Birth Trauma Association.