Some of the most valuable pregnancy care happens before you conceive. A few simple steps — and a pre-conception check-up — can improve your chances of conceiving and give your future baby the healthiest possible start.
Why prepare before pregnancy?
The early weeks of pregnancy, often before you even know you are pregnant, are when many of the baby’s organs form. Preparing in advance means you enter pregnancy in good health, with any risks already addressed. A pre-conception assessment brings this together in one visit.
Key steps
- Folic acid — started before conception to reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
- Review of medications and health conditions — so anything that needs adjusting is sorted in advance.
- Vaccination and immunity checks — for conditions such as rubella.
- Lifestyle — stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and a healthy weight all help.
- Screening — including, where relevant, checks for inherited conditions.
When to seek a fertility check
If you have been trying to conceive for a year without success (or six months if you are over 35), it is worth seeking advice. A couple fertility check-up or female fertility check-up is a good starting point.
If you have a chronic condition
Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or high blood pressure are best optimised before pregnancy. Your physician helps you plan a safe pregnancy, which may include high-risk pregnancy care later.
The takeaway
Preparing for pregnancy is simple, low-cost and worthwhile. A single pre-conception visit can answer your questions and set you on the right path.
See the full pregnancy care guide and our price list.
Sources: WHO, NICE, ACOG, RCOG. This article is for general education and does not replace a medical consultation. Reviewed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), UCARER Women’s Health, Istanbul.
