Preconception Health Check 

What is a preconception health screening?

A preconception health screening is a focused medical evaluation carried out before you try to conceive. It’s designed to assess your overall health, identify any potential risks, and ensure your body is in the best condition to support a healthy pregnancy. Unlike a general health check, this screening is specific to your reproductive goals and helps lay the groundwork for a smoother conception and safer pregnancy journey. 

During the screening, your doctor will review your medical and family history, evaluate any chronic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid issues, and assess your reproductive health. Blood tests may be done to check hormone levels, immunity status, and key nutrient levels like folate and iron. Your vaccination records will also be reviewed and updated if needed.

Beyond physical health, we look at your lifestyle and mental wellbeing, from your diet and exercise routine to sleep, stress levels, and supplement use. This is also the time to review any medications you are taking, as some may need to be adjusted before pregnancy.

For many women, this is the first chance to ask questions about fertility, understand their cycle better, and receive personalised guidance. Whether you are planning for your first child or growing your family, a preconception health screening gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward with informed choices and the right support.

Who should undergo a preconception health screening?

A preconception health screening is recommended for all individuals or couples who are thinking about starting or expanding their family. Whether you are planning to conceive in a few months or even within the next year, this screening helps ensure that your body is ready for pregnancy and gives you time to address any issues early on.

You should consider a preconception screening if:

• You are actively trying to conceive or planning to start in the near future.

• You are above 30 and want to check your fertility status.

• You have a history of miscarriage, infertility, or gynaecological conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis.

• You have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disease.

• You are taking regular medications and need to check if they are safe for pregnancy.

• You or your partner have a family history of genetic conditions.

• You want guidance on optimising your fertility naturally through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and cycle tracking.

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, a preconception screening can highlight areas you might not have considered. It’s a smart and empowering first step that supports not just conception, but a smoother and healthier pregnancy journey ahead.

What are the benefits of a preconception health check? 

A preconception health check offers more than just reassurance, it gives you the chance to take control of your reproductive health and prepare your body for the journey ahead. Here are the key benefits:

• Identifies and addresses underlying health issues — conditions like diabetes, thyroid imbalances, anaemia, or undiagnosed infections can affect both fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Detecting and managing them early helps create a safer environment for conception.

• Improves fertility awareness — understanding your ovulation pattern, menstrual cycle, and ovarian reserve makes it easier to plan for pregnancy and avoid unnecessary delays or stress.

• Reduces pregnancy risks and complications — taking charge of your health beforehand can lower the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage, and preterm birth.

• Supports a healthier baby — ensuring your body has sufficient levels of folate, iron, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients reduces the risk of birth defects and supports early fetal development.

• Provides personalised lifestyle guidance — a preconception check includes practical advice on weight management, nutrition, supplements, physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.

• Offers clarity and peace of mind — whether you are planning your first child or trying again after past challenges, the screening gives you confidence, reassurance, and a clear path forward.

What does a preconception health screening include?

A preconception health screening typically includes:

• Detailed medical and family history — we assess any chronic illnesses, past pregnancies, surgeries, genetic conditions, and family health patterns that may influence fertility or pregnancy outcomes.

• Menstrual and reproductive health review — we explore your menstrual cycles, ovulation patterns, past gynaecological issues (e.g. PCOS, fibroids, cysts, endometriosis), and any history of infertility or miscarriage.

• Physical examination — this includes a general physical check-up and, when relevant, a pelvic exam to assess reproductive organs.

• Blood and hormone tests — these help identify nutritional deficiencies (like iron, folate or vitamin D), check for conditions such as thyroid imbalances or diabetes, and evaluate hormone levels linked to fertility (FSH, LH, AMH, prolactin, etc.).

• Ovarian reserve testing — often done through an AMH blood test or an antral follicle count via ultrasound to assess your egg supply.

• Infectious disease screening — we test for STIs (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea), hepatitis B and C, HIV, rubella immunity, and other infections that could affect pregnancy.

• Pap smear and cervical health assessment — if you are due for cervical screening, we ensure your results are up to date before pregnancy.

• Genetic screening (if applicable) — especially if you or your partner have a family history of inherited conditions, we may recommend screening for common genetic disorders.

• Lifestyle and nutrition evaluation — we discuss diet, weight, exercise, sleep, smoking, alcohol, and supplement use, all of which play a role in fertility and early pregnancy health.

• Mental and emotional wellbeing — we check in on your stress levels, mental health history, and overall readiness for the emotional aspects of trying to conceive and parenthood.

This screening is not a one-size-fits-all checklist. We tailor the process to your unique needs, priorities, and reproductive goals to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

How should I prepare myself for a preconception health check? 

Preparing for your preconception health check ensures that your consultation is thorough, focused, and tailored to your needs. A little planning before your appointment allows your doctor to give you clearer guidance and personalised advice, especially if you are trying to conceive in the near future.

• Track your menstrual cycle — note the average length of your cycles, any irregularities, and whether you have noticed signs of ovulation or symptoms like painful or heavy periods.

• List your medications and supplements — include any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are currently taking, as some may affect fertility or need adjustment before pregnancy.

• Review your medical and family history — be ready to share details about past medical issues, surgeries, previous pregnancies, and any family history of genetic or chronic conditions.

• Think about your lifestyle habits — your doctor will ask about diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol, smoking, and stress levels. Being open helps us provide the right support for healthier choices.

• Note any questions or concerns — write down anything you have been wondering about, from fertility timing to supplement use, so we can address all your concerns during the visit.

• Bring your partner, if possible — fertility and pregnancy planning often benefit from a joint approach. If your partner can attend, we can discuss shared health factors and optimise both sides of the journey.

What should I expect during a preconception health check? 

• Initial discussion and medical history review — we will start by asking about your menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies, chronic conditions, family medical history, and any known gynaecological issues.

• Physical examination — a basic physical check-up may be done to assess your general health. Depending on your needs, this could include a pelvic exam or an ultrasound to check your reproductive organs.

• Laboratory tests — blood tests are commonly recommended to check hormone levels, vitamin deficiencies, immunity status (e.g. rubella, varicella), thyroid function, and screen for infections or STIs.

• Fertility and cycle assessment — we may evaluate your ovulation and ovarian reserve through tests like AMH or ultrasound if you wish to assess your fertility in more detail.

• Lifestyle and mental wellbeing review — we will ask about your diet, weight, sleep, stress, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use, and offer guidance to support healthier habits.

• Personalised recommendations — based on your check-up, we will provide practical steps you can take, whether it’s starting folic acid, adjusting medications, or planning ovulation timing, all tailored to your body and timeline.

What happens after the preconception health check? 

Once your screening is complete, we don’t just hand over test results, we help you make sense of them and support you in taking action.

• Detailed review of results — we go through your blood tests, scans, and assessments with you, explaining what they mean in the context of your fertility and overall health.

• Personalised action plan — based on your results and reproductive goals, we will recommend steps such as starting supplements (like folic acid or vitamin D), adjusting medications, managing health conditions, or tracking ovulation more closely.

• Lifestyle recommendations — we will guide you on improving key areas like diet, weight, sleep, exercise, and emotional wellbeing, all of which play a vital role in fertility and pregnancy readiness.

• Further referrals if needed — if we identify any issues requiring specialised care (e.g. endocrinology, genetic counselling, or fertility treatments), we will refer you to the appropriate specialists and coordinate your care.

• Ongoing support — whether you are ready to start trying for a baby or still preparing, we remain available for follow-up appointments, monitoring, and check-ins along the way.

Summary 

A preconception health check is one of the most important steps you can take before trying to conceive. It gives you the opportunity to assess your overall health, identify any risks that could affect your fertility or pregnancy, and make informed changes to support a smoother journey ahead. From reviewing your medical history and performing targeted blood tests to assessing your reproductive health, lifestyle, and mental wellbeing, this screening is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and control. 

Whether you are planning your first child or expanding your family, taking charge of your health early makes a real difference, not just for conception, but for your long-term wellbeing and the health of your future baby. Schedule a consultation with us today and begin your journey with the care, support, and personalised guidance you deserve.