In short: If you are thinking about having a baby, a preconception visit with your GP — ideally a few months before you start trying — is a simple way to prepare. Your GP can help you start folic acid and iodine, check your vaccinations, review any medicines and health conditions, and talk through lifestyle changes that support a healthy pregnancy. This checklist explains what to expect and what you can do now.
Why See a GP Before You Try to Conceive?
Many people first see a doctor once they are already pregnant. That is completely fine, but some of the things that support a healthy pregnancy need to be in place before conception — in the weeks when a pregnancy may not yet be known.
A preconception visit gives you time to get supplements started, catch up on vaccines, adjust medicines safely, and get any health conditions as settled as possible. It is also a relaxed opportunity to ask questions before the busy months of pregnancy begin.
You do not need a referral, and you do not need to have everything decided. Partners are welcome to come along too — a partner's health, habits and family history can be part of the conversation.
When Should I Book a Preconception Check?
A good time is around three months before you plan to start trying. That allows time for vaccines that need to be given before pregnancy, for supplements to be taken for at least a month beforehand, and for any medicine changes to be made carefully.
If you are already trying, or you have just stopped contraception, it is still worth booking. Your GP can still give you useful advice. When you book, let reception know the appointment is for pregnancy planning so that enough time can be set aside.
Your Preconception Checklist
Here is a summary of what your GP is likely to cover. Each item is explained in more detail below.
- Start a folic acid and iodine supplement
- Check your vaccinations and immunity
- Review your medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements
- Talk about any long-term health conditions
- Make sure your cervical screening is up to date
- Discuss family history and genetic carrier screening
- Look at lifestyle — alcohol, smoking, vaping, diet, weight and activity
- Check in on your mental health and wellbeing
- Think about costs and your care options, including private health insurance
Folic Acid and Iodine Before Pregnancy
Folic acid (folate) helps protect a developing baby against neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It is recommended daily for at least one month before conception and through the first three months of pregnancy. Iodine is recommended before pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to support a baby's brain development.
Pregnancy multivitamins often contain both, but doses vary between products. Some people need a higher dose of folic acid — for example because of a personal or family history of neural tube defects, some medical conditions, or certain medicines. Your GP can recommend the right supplement and dose for you, so it is worth asking before you buy.
Vaccinations and Immunity
Some infections can be harmful during pregnancy, and a few vaccines cannot be given while pregnant. That is why checking your immunity beforehand matters.
Your GP may:
- Check your vaccination records, including on the Australian Immunisation Register
- Offer a blood test to check your immunity to rubella (German measles) and chickenpox, if you are unsure whether you are protected
- Recommend any catch-up vaccines you need, and advise how long to wait after certain vaccines before trying to conceive
- Talk about vaccines that are recommended during pregnancy, such as whooping cough and flu vaccines, so you know what to expect later
If you are travelling overseas while trying to conceive, mention this too, as some destinations carry infection risks that are relevant in pregnancy.
Medicines and Health Conditions
Tell your GP about everything you take — prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements. Some are fine to continue, some may need a different dose, and a few may need to be changed before pregnancy.
It is important not to stop a regular prescribed medicine on your own. Some conditions need ongoing treatment to keep both you and a future baby well, and stopping suddenly can cause problems. Your GP can plan any changes with you safely.
If you live with a long-term condition — such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, a thyroid condition or a mental health condition — a preconception visit is especially worthwhile. Having your condition as well managed as possible before pregnancy is generally recommended, and your GP may suggest you see your specialist for a review, or arrange extra tests. You can read more in our guides to type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Cervical Screening and Sexual Health
If you are due for a Cervical Screening Test, it is easier to have it before pregnancy. Your GP can check when your last test was and whether you are due.
Your GP may also offer sexual health testing, as some infections cause few or no symptoms but can affect fertility or pregnancy. This is a routine part of preconception care and nothing to feel awkward about.
Family History and Genetic Carrier Screening
Your GP will ask about health conditions that run in your family and your partner's family. This helps identify anything that may need extra attention.
You may also be offered reproductive genetic carrier screening — an optional blood test that checks whether you or your partner carry a gene for certain inherited conditions that could be passed on to a child. Carriers are usually healthy themselves. The test is your choice, and it is ideally done before pregnancy so you have more time to consider the results. Your GP can explain what it involves and any costs.
Lifestyle: Small Changes That Help
You do not need to overhaul your life, but a few changes before conception support a healthy pregnancy:
- Alcohol — there is no known safe level of alcohol in pregnancy, so if you are trying to conceive, not drinking is the safest choice.
- Smoking and vaping — stopping before pregnancy is a very helpful step for your own health and a baby's. Your GP can support you to quit.
- Healthy eating — a varied diet based on the five food groups supports your health now and later. It is also a good time to learn which foods to avoid in pregnancy because of the listeria risk.
- Weight and activity — being in a healthy weight range and staying active can support fertility and a healthier pregnancy. Your GP can give practical, realistic advice.
- Caffeine — it is sensible to keep your intake moderate now, since a limit applies in pregnancy.
- Work and home — let your GP know if you work with chemicals, radiation or other hazards, or with young children or animals, as these can sometimes carry infection risks.
These changes matter for partners too. A partner's smoking, alcohol and general health can affect fertility and the home environment a baby will join.
Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
Planning a pregnancy can bring excitement, worry, or both. If you have a history of anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, talk to your GP before you conceive, so a plan can be put in place for support during pregnancy and after the birth.
If you are struggling now, your GP can help — including through a Mental Health Treatment Plan where appropriate.
Costs, Insurance and Your Care Options
It can help to think about how you would like your pregnancy care to work. In Australia you can choose public care, private care, or GP shared care, and our guide to pregnancy care options explains each one.
If private care with an obstetrician matters to you, check your health insurance now. Private health funds apply a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy and birth, so cover generally needs to be in place before you conceive.
What If It Takes a While to Conceive?
It is normal for conception to take some time. If you have been trying for a while without success, your GP can talk with you about when to look into it further. This is sooner if you are older, have irregular periods, or know of a condition that may affect fertility. Your GP can arrange initial tests and refer you on if needed.
How Our Truganina GPs Can Help
Our GPs at Reliance Medical Centre in Truganina can help you prepare for pregnancy with a preconception visit. We can:
- Talk with you about a folic acid and iodine supplement and dose that suit you
- Check your immunity and arrange any catch-up vaccinations
- Arrange blood tests through our on-site pathology
- Review your medicines and help manage any long-term conditions
- Offer pre-conception health checks and fertility support as part of our women's health services
- Talk through your antenatal care options for when you do become pregnant
When the time comes, our guide to what to do when you first find out you are pregnant walks you through the next steps.
To book a preconception appointment, book online or call us on (03) 9958 6699. Fees and eligibility for any Medicare rebates can be confirmed with our reception team when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a GP before trying to get pregnant?
Around three months before you plan to start trying is a good time. This allows time to start folic acid and iodine, catch up on any vaccines that cannot be given in pregnancy, and safely adjust medicines if needed. If you are already trying, it is still worth booking a visit.
How long before pregnancy should I take folic acid?
Folic acid is recommended daily for at least one month before conception and through the first three months of pregnancy. Some people need a higher dose because of their medical or family history, so ask your GP which supplement and dose is right for you.
Which vaccines should I have before getting pregnant?
Your GP will check whether you are protected against infections such as rubella and chickenpox, which can be harmful in pregnancy, and recommend any catch-up vaccines. Some vaccines cannot be given during pregnancy, so it helps to check before you conceive. Other vaccines, such as whooping cough and flu, are recommended during pregnancy.
Should I stop my medicines before trying to conceive?
Do not stop a regular prescribed medicine on your own. Some medicines are fine to continue, some need a dose change, and a few may need to be switched — but stopping suddenly can be harmful. See your GP before you start trying so any changes can be planned safely.
What is genetic carrier screening?
Reproductive genetic carrier screening is an optional blood test that checks whether you or your partner carry a gene for certain inherited conditions that could be passed on to a child. Carriers are usually healthy. It is ideally done before pregnancy, and your GP can explain what is involved and any costs.
Does my partner need a preconception check too?
It is a good idea. A partner's health, smoking, alcohol use and family history can all be relevant, and partners are welcome to attend the appointment. Your GP can also talk with them about their own health and any changes that may help.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Healthdirect) — Folate and pregnancy and Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — The role of your GP
- Australian Government Department of Health — Pregnancy Care Guidelines
- privatehealth.gov.au — Waiting periods
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Everyone's health and circumstances are different. Please see your GP for advice tailored to you before making changes to your medicines or supplements.
