It’s time to be a grown up. If you’re ready to conceive, making the following 4 appointments is an important step toward an easier conception, healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

Appointment: Your GP

Ask for: A maternal health infection screening.

There are a few infections that are easily and effectively screened for that can be dangerous during pregnancy. All of the tests pertain to infections that have a dormant phase – so you can have it without knowing - but all can be treated or managed once you know.

Here in Australia, the Australian Government Dept of Health has guidelines around this. Most hospitals and most GP’s in private practice stay relatively close to the guidelines. Your screen should include:

HIV
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Syphilis
Asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB)
Group B Strep (GBS)

You may have to opt in to

Rubella non immunity: If you are over 34, your teenage vaccination from may be wearing off.
Hep C: At risk populations include health care workers, women with piercings or tattoos, women of Aboriginal and Torres Straits decent and women who had blood transfusions pre 1992.

Why you shouldn’t wait until you're pregnant:

This screening test is standard at your initial pregnancy appointment - that's helpful but not as helpful as having it prior to conception. Not all treatment is safe during pregnancy. Getting your screen done early gives you time to assess your decisions in terms of treatment, and manage it before pregnancy occurs.

Appointment: Your Dentist

Ask for: A clean and check up

While pregnancy doesn’t cause periodontal issues, the hormone changes may exacerbate pre existing issues. This has implications beyond your mouth - research has found a link between periodontal disease, premature delivery and low birth weight.

Why you shouldn’t wait till you’re pregnant:

Dental work is safe during pregnancy, albeit a little uncomfortable, however treatment may be limited and may require a little more work on behalf of your dentistry professional in terms of pharmaceuticals. That said, taking care before you become pregnant sets you up for a good 9 months of maintenance. Speak to your dentist about a check up in trimester 2.

Appointment: Natural health practitioner

Ask for: A quality prenatal vitamin

When it comes to your prenatal supplement opt for something that says “practitioner only” or even better “clinic only” on its label, and avoid anything off-the-shelf *cough Elevit*. Practitioner or Clinic Only generally contain a higher quality, more bioactive form of each ingredient, meaning it’s more easily absorbed and metabolised by the body. You'll need to speak to a qualified health professional to be prescribed one of these high quality prenatal supplements.

Your prenatal multi should cover all your nutritional gaps, and address a few key pregnancy needs. In particular your prenatal should contain a total of around 400mcg of activated folate for baby’s healthy neural development.

Why you shouldn’t wait until you're pregnant:

Egg health - It takes three months for an egg cell to mature. It is important to ensure the right nutrients are available during this time to help support healthy cell development, fertilisation and embryonic development.
Fetal health - Folate from your pre-natal is a MUST. Defects associated with a lack of folate are drastic and are most likely to occur in the first four to six weeks. Given many women don’t even know they’re pregnant during this time, it’s a given that its better to get on to this asap.

Appointment: Acupuncturist

For: Conception support

Well of course I was going to say this. Research indicates that acupuncture may shorten the time to conception.

Why you shouldn’t wait until you're pregnant:

While acupuncture has been found to be a fantastic tool for securing early pregnancy and managing pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, research has shown acupuncture can support healthy egg quality and a healthy endometrial lining. And if the whole thing feels a little overwhelming, guess what? Acupuncture can help with that. Studies have shown treatments can shift the body from a physiological state of stress, to one of rest.

You can read more about preconception care here.

All the best,

Jenna

The 4 health professionals you should see BEFORE you conceive