Planning for a Pregnancy

Planning for a pregnancy can be an exciting, and sometimes anxiety-provoking, time. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a parent for the first time or adding to your family, there is often a lot to consider. An important part of this preparation is booking an appointment with your GP to discuss how to optimise your health and wellbeing before starting this journey.

Preconception care allows time to focus on your overall health, address any concerns early, and feel supported as you plan ahead through Women’s Health services.

Your General Health

Growing a baby places extra physical and emotional demands on the body. Starting pregnancy in the best possible health helps you cope with these changes and supports a healthier pregnancy overall.

Your GP will talk with you about lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress. They can help you make practical changes, including improving the quality of your diet and developing a pregnancy-safe exercise routine.

In some cases, your GP may recommend blood tests to check aspects of your general health, such as blood sugar levels, cholesterol, thyroid function, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. These reviews are commonly part of Preventive Care and help identify issues that can be addressed before pregnancy.

Nutrition

Nutritional needs can change during pregnancy, and these needs vary depending on your usual diet and health. Your GP will discuss possible nutritional gaps and may recommend a balanced, low-GI, Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting highly processed foods.

Iron levels are often assessed when planning pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body produces more red blood cells and your baby also requires iron for growth, making iron deficiency relatively common. If needed, your GP can guide you on improving iron levels through dietary changes, supplements, or iron infusions, depending on what is appropriate for you.

Immunisations

Reviewing your immunisation status is an important part of pregnancy planning. Some vaccinations are best given before pregnancy, including influenza and certain travel vaccines.

Other vaccines, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, are not recommended during pregnancy. These infections can be harmful to a developing baby if contracted while pregnant. Your GP may recommend vaccination before trying to conceive or arrange blood tests to check your immunity.

Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health when planning a pregnancy. Your GP will discuss your current emotional wellbeing, any history of mental health concerns, and how hormonal changes during and after pregnancy may affect you.

Sleep quality, stress levels, and social support all play a significant role in pregnancy experiences. Your GP can discuss strategies such as exercise, counselling or psychology support, stress management, and sleep optimisation where needed.

If you are taking medication for mental health, your GP can help you make informed decisions about treatment before, during, and after pregnancy, balancing benefits and risks for both you and your baby.

Pregnancy Multivitamins and Folate

Many people are unaware that folate or pregnancy multivitamins should ideally be started around three months before conception. Adequate folate levels before pregnancy and during the first trimester reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

While common pregnancy multivitamins meet most people’s needs, some individuals require higher doses of folate. Your GP can help identify what is appropriate for you and recommend suitable supplements before pregnancy.

Deciding Between Public and Private Pregnancy Care

Understanding your options for pregnancy care is another important step. If you are considering private obstetric care, private health insurance that covers pregnancy usually needs to be held for a minimum waiting period before becoming pregnant.

There are also several models of care available through the public system, depending on your health needs and pregnancy risk factors. Your GP can explain these options and help you choose the model of care that best suits you, guided through Family & General Practice

Starting the Conversation Early

If you’re considering becoming pregnant, it’s never too early to talk with your GP. Early planning helps ensure you’re in the best possible physical and mental health and allows you to approach pregnancy feeling informed, supported, and confident.