Preparing for Pregnancy: Preconception Health and Care

The best time to start preparing for pregnancy is three to six months before you begin trying to conceive. This gives you time for a pre-pregnancy check-up, a review of your medications and vaccinations, and at least one month of daily folic acid before conception.

Preparing early also means you and your partner can address any health concerns before pregnancy begins, rather than during it.

Why Is Preconception Health and Care Important?

Preconception care identifies and manages health factors that may affect fertility, pregnancy, and a developing baby before you conceive. It also covers your nutritional needs, vaccination status, and personal health risks.

A preconception consultation is particularly valuable if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a history of pregnancy complications. Even if you feel healthy, a medical assessment can identify issues that are easier to address before conception.

What Health Checks Should You Have Before Pregnancy?

A pre-pregnancy check-up reviews your health history and includes tests chosen for your individual needs. Depending on your circumstances, assessments may include:

• Blood pressure and weight: These help identify factors that may increase pregnancy risks and guide personalized health advice.
• Blood and urine tests: Testing may assess anemia, blood sugar, or signs of urinary problems. Additional tests may be appropriate depending on your medical history.
• Infection screening: Your clinician may recommend screening for hepatitis B, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Vaccination review: Checking immunity to infections such as rubella can help determine whether vaccination is needed before pregnancy.
• Reproductive health assessment: Menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, previous pregnancy complications, and fertility concerns may require further evaluation.
• Genetic screening: Depending on your family history and risk factors, your clinician may discuss thalassemia or other inherited conditions.

Not everyone needs every test. Your healthcare professional can explain which assessments are appropriate and whether any results need follow-up before you start trying to conceive.

Nutrition and Supplements Before Conception

Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through early pregnancy. Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which affect the developing brain and spinal cord (CDC).

Some people need a higher dose, such as those who have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect or who take certain anti-seizure medicines. Do not start high-dose folic acid or other supplements without advice from your healthcare professional.

Alongside folic acid, aim for a varied diet that includes:

• Vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains
• Protein-rich foods, such as fish, eggs, tempeh, tofu, and legumes
• Iron-rich foods, such as lean meat and leafy green vegetables
• Calcium sources, such as milk, yogurt, and tofu
• Healthy fats, such as nuts and vegetable oils

It is also sensible to limit caffeine and choose fish that is lower in mercury. Both underweight and overweight can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes, so seek individualized guidance rather than relying on restrictive diets.

Lifestyle Changes That Support a Healthy Pregnancy

Everyday habits can influence your health before and during pregnancy. Consider making these changes while preparing to conceive:

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke: Smoking can affect fertility and increase pregnancy risks.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs: Discuss any substance use with your healthcare professional before trying to conceive.
• Stay physically active: Choose regular activities you can maintain, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
• Prioritize sleep and stress management: Establish consistent sleep habits and seek support when stress feels difficult to manage.
• Share your mental health history: Tell your clinician about any past or current depression or anxiety so support can be planned before and after birth.
• Have a dental check-up: Dental treatment is easier to arrange before pregnancy.
• Review medications: Some prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements may need to be changed before pregnancy. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
• Check your vaccinations: Live vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and chickenpox (varicella), are given before pregnancy rather than during it. Your clinician will tell you how long to wait after these vaccines before trying to conceive.

Discuss these changes with your clinician to develop a plan that suits your health and circumstances.

Your Partner's Health Matters Too

Your partner's health can also affect fertility and pregnancy. Partners preparing for pregnancy should review smoking, alcohol, and medication use, check for infections such as hepatitis B, and share any family history of inherited conditions, such as thalassemia.

A semen analysis may be useful if there are concerns about fertility.

Plan Your Pregnancy With Professional Guidance

Preparing for pregnancy is a shared process for many couples. Discuss pregnancy timing, family support, finances, and health insurance with your partner.

If you use an intrauterine device (IUD), implant, or another contraceptive method, ask your healthcare professional about stopping it and when fertility may return. It is also helpful to understand the importance of regular prenatal check-ups once you become pregnant.

These appointments allow your healthcare team to monitor your health and your baby's development, identify potential complications early, and provide guidance throughout pregnancy. If you have irregular periods, known PCOS, endometriosis, previous miscarriages, or a chronic medical condition, seek advice before trying to conceive.

People older than 35 may also benefit from earlier guidance about fertility and pregnancy planning.

Start Your Preconception Journey at Bali International Hospital

Book a pre-pregnancy consultation at Bali International Hospital to review your medical history, medications, vaccinations, and nutrition, and to agree which tests you need.

Our pre-marital screening packages can cover part of this assessment. All four include a complete blood count, blood group, blood sugar tests, vitamin D, and hepatitis B and C screening.

The comprehensive female package adds thyroid function and iron studies, and the comprehensive male package adds a semen analysis and a testosterone test.

• Basic Pre-Marital Screening Female Package
• Comprehensive Pre-Marital Screening Female Package
• Basic Pre-Marital Screening Male Package
• Comprehensive Pre-Marital Screening Male Package

Some checks recommended before pregnancy, such as rubella immunity, HIV screening, and thalassemia testing, are not part of these packages. Ask during your consultation whether you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health checks should I have before trying to get pregnant?

A pre-pregnancy check-up usually covers your blood pressure, weight, and health history, plus blood tests chosen for your situation, such as blood count, blood sugar, infection screening, and rubella immunity. Your clinician can recommend any additional tests you may need.

What should I discuss with my doctor before pregnancy?

Discuss your medical history, medications, supplements, menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, family history, vaccinations, mental health, and lifestyle habits. Mention any chronic conditions or fertility concerns so your care plan can be tailored to you.

When should I start taking folic acid before pregnancy?

Start taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily at least one month before you try to conceive, and continue through early pregnancy. Some people need a higher dose, so check with your healthcare professional.

When should I have a pre-pregnancy check-up?

Ideally, schedule a preconception consultation three to six months before trying to conceive. It is still worthwhile closer to your planned conception date or whenever you begin considering pregnancy.