Pre Pregnancy Planning

Preconception care is sometimes the most forgotten about element of your pregnancy. It is however vital in ensuring the best start for you and your pregnancy.

There can be an array of emotions that come forward when you consider planning for a pregnancy. For some, excitement is predominant, for others it might be nervousness or worry. Your background, your previous experiences and several other factors all contribute.

Why is it important?

The environment when you conceive is critical for optimising early development. Conception occurs two weeks before a missed period, and therefore the start of your pregnancy occurs even before your pregnancy test is positive.

Optimising maternal and parental health, including nutrition and lifestyle factors in the early stages of pregnancy can reduce fetal and infant growth concerns, improve birth outcomes, and reduce long term infant cardiovascular and metabolic disease.  

What are some key elements to consider when planning your pregnancy?

Lifestyle

  • Healthy nutritional intake including adequate fruit, vegetables, fibre, and low glycaemic foods is recommended.  

  • Exercise is important for your general health, mental wellbeing and for pregnancy. Aim for around 150 minutes per week or 30 minutes most days.

  • Stop smoking and avoid alcohol.

  • Reduce anxiety and stress (much easier said than done!)  

Optimise health

  • Review medical history including any medical conditions and medications to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.

  • General health checks including breast examination, cervical screening test if required and dental check.

  • Ensure vaccination are up to date including measles, mumps and rubella, chickenpox (varicella) and hepatitis B.

Supplementation

  • Folate; at least 0.5mg for at least 4 weeks prior to conception is important for reducing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

  • Iodine: 150mcg in all women while pregnancy and breast feeding improving for maternal thyroid, fetal brain, and CNS development

  • Others that may be required include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron.

  • * A pregnancy multivitamin can often contain the folate and iodine you require in one tablet – ensure the correct dosing.

Preparation for the pregnancy

  • Genetic carrier screening is important to discuss and is now covered by Medicare. For further information, Mikhaila will discuss this with you. You can also visit the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services website at www.vcgs.com.au

  • Previous pregnancies and experiences. It is paramount that any previous pregnancies, including positive and negative experiences and outcomes, are discussed. Pregnancy is a very special and individual journey, and it is essential that your experience is understood, your values are prioritised and an individualised pregnancy journey is developed for you and your birthing partner. 

If you are planning a pregnancy, please reach out to Mikhaila to discuss optimising your health prior to pregnancy.

Ready for Pregnancy Care?

If you’re ready to start your journey with a passionate female obstetrician, it’s time to make an appointment with Dr Mikhaila Lazanyi.