How to get your body ready for a baby

Preparing for pregnancy can be exciting and nerve-racking! Before you try to conceive, there are some steps you can take to get your body ready and give your baby the best start in life.

If your pregnancy was unplanned, you still have time to prepare your body for the months ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about pregnancy check-ups, medical tests, vaccinations, supplements and lifestyle changes that will set you up for success.

Should I see my GP before I try to get pregnant?

Yes. Visit your GP three to six months before you start trying to have a baby, for a pre-pregnancy check-up. If your pregnancy was unexpected, you’re not alone. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can, but try not to worry about missing out on a head-start.

If you have a long-term (chronic) medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or epilepsy, see your GP as soon as you can. You may need extra care during pregnancy (Department of Health 2020).

You may have to change some of the medications you take, because they could harm an unborn baby (Department of Health, 2020). But don’t stop taking them before talking to your GP, because stopping could also cause problems for you and your baby (Healthdirect 2020).

Some over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, as well as certain herbal supplements, should be avoided during pregnancy (Health Direct 2020) ). Ask your doctor or chemist before taking anything, to be safe.

What can I expect at a pre-pregnancy check-up?

Your check-up is an opportunity to talk through any health concerns or worries you may have. Your GP will probably do a general physical examination and ask you about:

• your health and lifestyle
• your eating habits
• how much exercise you get
• whether you work with hazardous substances
• your mental health and wellbeing

Being above a healthy weight may affect your chances of becoming pregnant. It also increases the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, early (preterm) birth, and stillbirth (Department of Health 2020). Your GP may suggest safe and healthy ways to lose weight before you get pregnant, but trying to lose weight during pregnancy isn’t recommended. You will be supported to put on the least amount of weight possible, depending on your current weight. Your best bet is to follow a healthy and balanced pregnancy diet.

If you’re below the healthy weight range, you may also have trouble conceiving and could be at risk of preterm birth and having a small baby (low birthweight). Your doctor may give you tips to help you gain weight before you conceive, but a nutritious diet is one of the most important factors for a healthy pregnancy at any weight.

Your doctor will want to know about any existing health conditions you may have, such as:

• type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• asthma
• high blood pressure
• anaemia
• kidney disease
• heart disease
• liver disease
• an autoimmune disorder
  
  (Department of Health 2020 )

It will be also be helpful for them to know about:

• Any genetic conditions in your family. Tell your GP if you have a family history of a genetic condition such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia or cystic fibrosis. Your doctor will recommend screening tests if you want them, and get you further support and advice (Department of Health 2020).
• Your contraception. Once you stop using them, most birth control (contraceptive) methods shouldn't affect how long it takes you to conceive. But if you've been using the contraceptive injection, it may take up to 18 months after your last injection for your usual fertility to return (Healthdirect 2021 ).
• Any terminations, miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies you've experienced, as well as any babies born with conditions such as Down syndrome. You may find it hard to discuss, but knowing what's happened in the past will help your doctor give you the best pregnancy care.

  Will I need any medical tests?

  The tests you will need depend on your circumstances and general health. Your doctor may suggest you have any of the following tests:
  
  

  Blood tests

  Your GP will seek your consent to conduct routine blood tests to check your iron (haemoglobin) level, your blood group, your immunity for German measles (rubella) and chickenpox (varicella), and whether you have any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C (Department of Health 2020, Better Health Channel 2022).
  
  

  Genetic testing

  Your doctor will also tell you about genetic testing. Non-invasive prenatal testing can help determine your chance of having a baby with a chromosomal condition such as Down syndrome. Genetic carrier testing can detect genetic conditions including cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia (Healthdirect 2020).
  
  You may be a genetic carrier of these conditions even if you don't have symptoms or a family history, and some conditions are more common in people of specific ethnic backgrounds (Department of Health, 2020). Your doctor will provide you with all the information you need to decide whether or not you want to have these tests.
  
  

  Cervical Screening Test

  The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test to detect the risk of cervical cancer in 2017. It’s expected to protect up to 30 per cent more people. While the Pap test detected cell changes in the cervix, the Cervical Screening Test looks for a sexually transmitted infection called HPV that can cause these cell changes. You should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years and it’s a good idea to have one before you try to conceive. It’s safe to have one while you’re pregnant, but make sure to mention your pregnancy before you have the test.

  Should I have any vaccinations before trying for a baby?

  If possible, get your routine vaccinations up to date before you become pregnant. Depending on the results of your prenatal blood tests, your GP may recommend vaccines for rubella, chickenpox or hepatitis B, too.
  
  The following vaccines are also recommended during pregnancy:
  
  
  • Flu (influenza) vaccine: You can get the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. It will protect you and your baby from the flu and reduce your risk of complications and hospitalisation.
  • COVID-19 vaccine: If you haven’t yet been vaccinated for COVID-19 or you’re due a booster shot, you can get vaccinated during pregnancy.
  • Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine: Whooping cough can be harmful and even deadly for babies, so vaccination is recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine will give your baby some protection until their immunisations at six weeks.
    You can also encourage those who will have a lot to do with your baby after the birth, like parents and grandparents, to make sure their whooping cough vaccine status is up to date. (Department of Health 2022)

  Should I take any pre-pregnancy supplements?

  As soon as you decide to try for a baby, start taking a daily supplement containing at least 400mcg of folic acid. Taking folic acid when you’re trying to conceive, and in the first three months of pregnancy, has been found to greatly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida . There is also some evidence that it may decrease the risk of congenital heart defects, brain and spinal cord tumours, and autism spectrum disorders (Department of Health 2020) .
  
  While there isn’t any conclusive evidence that a pregnancy multivitamin is beneficial, you may choose to take one to fill any nutritional gaps. But steer clear of any high-dose vitamins, which could be harmful for your baby. If your blood tests revealed a low iron level or anaemia, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement (Department of Health 2020).

  How harmful are cigarettes, alcohol and drugs during pregnancy?

  It probably won’t come as a surprise that smoking, drinking alcohol and taking illicit drugs while you’re pregnant can cause health problems for your baby . These substances can increase the risk of preterm birth, low birthweight, birth defects and death. Smoking also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome after birth (AIHW 2022).
  
  Your doctor may be able to help you quit smoking before you conceive. If you’re already pregnant and want to quit, talk to your GP about your options.
  
  While you may be tempted to have the odd glass of wine, no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been identified. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends avoiding alcohol while you’re trying to conceive, as well as during pregnancy (Department of Health 2020).
  
  If you need help quitting alcohol or drugs , your doctor can refer you to a program or specialist to help you give your baby a healthy start. There are also a range of organisations that provide confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referrals.

  Get your body ready for a baby

  To help you keep track of all your tests and vaccinations, print our physical readiness checklist.
  
  Find out which lifestyle changes are advisable, too.