Pregnancy care

Before trying for pregnancy: a practical health checklist

A preconception visit can be useful even if you have no known fertility problem. It creates time to review medical conditions and medicines before pregnancy, ask questions about nutrition and discuss any previous pregnancy experience. The aim is preparation, not perfection.

Start with the information you already have

Bring a list of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, vaccination history if available, and any reports from earlier pregnancies or surgeries. Tell your clinician about chronic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice; sometimes the safest plan is to adjust treatment before conception.

Ask about health and daily habits

Discuss nutrition, activity, sleep, tobacco or alcohol exposure and any work-related risks relevant to you. Your clinician can advise on folic acid and whether other supplements are appropriate. A preconception appointment can also cover menstrual patterns, contraception until you are ready and STI screening where relevant.

Plan your next steps

Clarify which tests or vaccinations are useful for your history, who will coordinate care if several specialists are involved, and when to seek fertility advice if pregnancy does not occur. If you have experienced a prior complication, ask whether earlier monitoring would be sensible next time. A short written question list helps make the visit more productive.

Do I need fertility tests before I start trying?

Not everyone does. A clinician can identify whether your age, history or symptoms justify tests now or whether there is no reason to begin with investigations.

For general education only. This page is not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Discuss decisions with a qualified clinician. For urgent symptoms, seek urgent medical care.