12 things to do before getting pregnant

Pregnancy isn’t always planned. However, if you are planning on getting pregnant in the near future, it can be a good idea to get your emotional, physical and financial health in order first.

Here’s what to think about before you try to conceive.

Smoking can harm your unborn baby, but it can also stop you from having one in the first place.¹

“Smoking is associated with infertility in both men and women, and an increased chance of miscarriage,” says fertility specialist Dr Joseph Sgroi.

“Smoking in pregnancy can also affect the size and the long-term health of babies. If you or your partner smoke, giving up before attempting to become pregnant is a good idea.”

The recommended weekly allowance is a maximum of ten standard drinks with no more than 4 drinks in one day. If you’re pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, it’s safest to cut alcohol out completely.²

“Large amounts of alcohol, particularly in the first few months of pregnancy, can lead to physical or mental abnormalities in babies, as well as growth [problems]. Alcohol intake can also affect sperm counts in men,” says Dr Sgroi.

A sexual health check and pap smear will determine whether you have any infections that might need treating before you get pregnant.

Some gynaecological conditions may affect conception or cause issues during your pregnancy; it’s a good idea to flag anything like this with your doctor before conceiving.

It’s common for your immune system to be reduced during pregnancy.

If you’re immunised against the following illnesses, it will help protect you and your baby:

• Covid-19
• whooping cough (pertussis)
• flu (influenza)
• hepatitis B
• measles
• mumps
• rubella (German measles)
• chickenpox (varicella).³

Rubella or chickenpox in pregnancy can cause birth defects, while measles or mumps can increase the chance of miscarriage.

If you’re not vaccinated against these, talk to your doctor.

It can take a few months for your cycle to return to normal once you stop using hormonal contraception. However, some people fall pregnant straight away after they stop taking it. This means it’s best to take other precautions until you’re ready for a positive pregnancy test.

You’re most likely to fall pregnant the 2 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.⁴ To track this, you can buy ovulation kits at the chemist, or chart your cycle on an app.

Untreated dental problems can cause complications in pregnancy, so it’s really important for you to make sure you’re looking after your oral health.

You might want to avoid any dental work in your first trimester if you’re experiencing morning sickness symptoms and have a sensitive gag reflex, so try to book in with your dentist regularly before falling pregnant, and sometime during your second trimester if you’re well enough.⁵

While expecting parents are often concerned about the effect of dental x-rays and local anaesthetics on a pregnancy, its important to know that these are all considered to be safe. Your dentist will take extra precautions if you let them know you’re pregnant (such as using a lead apron to protect the foetus and your thyroid when taking an x-ray)⁶, and you can always speak to them about any concerns.

Eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, fish and lean meats can help with reaching a healthy weight. Just as importantly, it’ll help your growing baby get the vital nutrients they need.

“Women who are underweight may be at risk of pre-term delivery, while women who are overweight may be at risk of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, foetal abnormalities, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia,” says Dr Sgroi.

Your mental wellbeing is essential. Pregnancy and childbirth can be a very stressful time. Concerns about work, housing, and financial security are also common areas of stress at this life stage.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a loved one, or ask your doctor for help.

Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in a growing baby.⁷

“It’s recommended that women intending to become pregnant take 0.5mg of folic acid a day for one month before pregnancy and for the first 3 months after becoming pregnant,” says Dr Sgroi.

“If you have a family history of spina bifida, cleft palate or are on anti-epilepsy (or any other) medication, talk to your doctor before you become pregnant. These conditions could mean higher doses of folic acid may be needed.”

Remember to tell your doctor about any medications you’re already on in case you need to stop taking these during pregnancy.

Ask your workplace about your parental leave options. Policies can be very different, so finding out what applies to you early on can give you peace of mind.

It’s also important to check your government entitlements so you know what benefits you might be able to claim after you’ve had your baby.

There are 4 main options when the time comes to have your baby:

• private hospital
• public hospital
• birth centre
• home birth.

Talk these through with your doctor to work out which option is right for you.

If you want to give birth as a private patient, you’ll need to check that your health insurance covers pregnancy and that you’ve completed your 12-month waiting period by the time your baby is due.