Preconception Planning
A preconception consultation with a private obstetrician provides personalised advice to optimise your health before pregnancy, identify any potential risks, and help you prepare for the healthiest possible pregnancy. It also offers the opportunity to discuss your fertility, medical history, medications, lifestyle, vaccinations and your plans for pregnancy and birth, giving you confidence from the very beginning.
Is a Preconception Appointment Right for You?
A preconception appointment with a private obstetrician is one of the best ways to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Whether you're planning your first baby or growing your family, meeting before conception allows time to optimise your health, discuss any concerns, and create an individualised plan for pregnancy and birth.
Many women choose a preconception consultation simply because they want to feel informed, prepared and supported from the very beginning. Others may benefit from more specialised advice based on their medical or pregnancy history.
A pre-pregnancy consultation may be particularly helpful if you:
Have experienced birth trauma or had a previous birth that was physically or emotionally challenging.
Have had a complex pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, postpartum haemorrhage, preterm birth or a previous caesarean birth.
Have medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, autoimmune disease or other ongoing health concerns.
Take regular medications and would like to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.
Have experienced recurrent miscarriage or are concerned about your fertility.
Have a family history of genetic conditions or would like to discuss carrier screening.
Are planning pregnancy in your late 30s or 40s and would like to understand your individual risks and available screening options.
Simply want to give yourself and your baby the best possible start.
During your appointment, Dr Tetstall will discuss vitamins and supplements, healthy weight, exercise, vaccinations, fertility, medical conditions, medications, lifestyle factors and any previous pregnancy or birth experiences that may influence your care. Where appropriate, recommended blood tests, screening or imaging can also be arranged before pregnancy.
Seeing a private obstetrician before conception also provides the opportunity to establish a relationship with the doctor you plan to have caring for you throughout your pregnancy.
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A preconception check-up is an appointment before pregnancy to optimise your health, review your medical history, and identify any factors that could affect conception or pregnancy. It provides personalised advice to help you achieve the healthiest possible pregnancy and baby from the very beginning.
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To prepare for your preconception checkup or pre-pregnancy visit see your GP for a referral. If you are coming with your partner, then it is best the referral also includes their name and date of birth in case they also require investigations. This is especially important for couples with infertility, recurrent miscarriage or if planning carrier screening. Bring a detailed family history, and any letters from other specialists and a list of questions for Dr Tetstall to answer.
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Recurrent miscarriage (or recurrent pregnancy loss) refers to 2 or more miscarriages prior to 20 weeks gestation. The miscarriages do not have to be consecutive.
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Birth trauma refers to the physical and/or emotional distress that can result from a difficult, unexpected or frightening birth experience. A pre-pregnancy consultation with a private obstetrician provides an opportunity to review your previous birth, address your concerns, and develop a personalised plan to help you feel supported and confident in a future pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about starting a family?
A preconception consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, plan ahead and optimise your health before pregnancy. Book an appointment today to begin your journey with personalised care from the very start.