What happens in a pregnancy planning appointment?
It might include:
Review of your existing health conditions, medications and mental health: its ideal for these to be optimised pre- pregnancy (includes partners, too!)
Discussion about previous pregnancies: if there were complications or if you have a history of recurrent miscarriage/ subfertility, you may need input from an obstetrician/ gynaecologist prior to another pregnancy
Assessment and advice regarding diet and exercise, caffeine, alcohol and other drugs while you’re trying to conceive and in early pregnancy. Some people might benefit from input from a dietician/ other allied health professional
Referral for blood tests: to check your immunity to important infections; other testing depends on your history and might include levels of iron, vit D and B12 and thyroid function
Discussion about pre conception genetic carrier screening: an optional test to see if you (and your partner) are carriers for genetic conditions
A review of your immunisation history, to see if any would be recommended before trying for a pregnancy
Advice regarding prenatal supplements: folic acid is recommended at a minimum for all women planning a pregnancy and some need higher doses. Other supplements might also be recommended based on individual needs
Discussion about who will manage your pregnancy (also known as the “models of care”). Options include a private obstetrician, public hospital- based care (including Midwifery group practice), GP shared care and a private midwife. If you are considering a private obstetrician, you may need to upgrade your private health insurance cover and it’s important to consider minimum wait times
Discussion about cycle tracking, understanding your fertile window, reasonable timeframes for falling pregnant and when to check in if you’re not pregnant (this depends on age and other factors which might point to a condition affecting fertility)
Check that women’s health checks are up to date: this might include cervical screening, STI screen, breast check
At Nurtured Medical we usually cover all of this with patients over two long appointments; ideally at least one of these is face to face. Book a pregnancy planning appointment
