PRECONCEPTION HEALTH
VISITING THE GP
Key things to know
- A General Practitioner (GP) cares for you across all stages of life – not just when you are sick.
- They can give personalised advice on medications, supplements and supports that are relevant to you and your medical history.
- Your GP can organise important checks before the baby bump, including sexual health checks, vaccination and genetic screening.
- Even if you see other health professionals, your GP is the best person to look at all aspects of your health before trying for a baby.
Myth busting
Seeing a GP before trying for a baby allows for essential pre-pregnancy screening, vaccinations, and optimisation of health.
A wide range of professionals including GPs, pharmacists, dietitians, and other allied health practitioners can contribute to fertility optimisation.
While GPs may not always bulk bill, seeing a GP is a worthwhile investment in your health. No other health professional looks at the whole picture – your family, genetics, medical and sexual history, mental health, medications, vaccinations, community connections, nutrition, exercise and environment.
Work as a team
Seeing a GP is important for both women and men before the baby bump.
For men, a preconception health check can include genetic carrier screening, sexual health checks, and access to supports for health behaviours – all of which can improve the chances of having a healthy baby.
For women, a preconception health check also includes genetic and sexual health screening, while considering medical and social factors. Your GP can provide advice on medications, vaccinations, and other important considerations if you are planning to carry the baby.
Facts
Getting a preconception health check can set you, and your future child, up for the best start.
Many important changes, like taking folic acid and iodine or managing existing health conditions, work best if started before the baby bump. Seeing a health professional before trying for a baby is a positive step for you and your future child. Starting early gives you the best chance to be at your healthiest when it matters most.
Almost half of Australian women begin pregnancy above a healthy weight, and more than 1 in 5 smoke before pregnancy. These factors can affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and your future child’s long-term health.
By building supportive habits like moving your body, eating well, and quitting cigarettes or vapes, you set yourself and your baby up for the best start. Every positive step counts, so talk to a health professional for support before the baby bump.
Women who receive preconception advice from a GP are twice as likely to take the recommended supplements and improve their diet before pregnancy. A simple conversation with your health professional can have a big impact. Adding a folic acid supplement before pregnancy is an easy, affordable action that can make a big difference for your baby’s development. It’s a small step now that can create a big impact in the future.
Men’s health matters too. Smoking, alcohol use, and overall fitness can affect fertility and the health of your future children. Preconception health isn’t just for women – partners can make a real difference by improving their fitness, eating well, and reducing alcohol or smoking. Preparing together helps build healthy habits as a couple. Talk to your GP or other health professionals for advice on making changes before the bump.
Fact sheets
Checklist for women
Download : Checklist for women
Checklist for men
Download : Checklist for men
Wait! There’s more
Many parents wait until they are pregnant to visit the GP, but visiting beforehand helps you optimise health – improving egg and sperm quality, creating a healthier pregnancy environment, and giving your baby the best start. Head to your GP before the baby bump, so you can be your healthiest self when it’s time for the baby to start growing.
Taking steps towards better health early can lead to a healthier pregnancy. Your GP can support you in this journey and consider the whole picture that is you.
Seeing your GP before the baby bump ensures your body is ready once you’re expecting, giving you more time to enjoy your pregnancy.
Support services
To find a GP, search healthdirect
Online Preconception Health Check
For Sexual Health Checks:
Cervical and STI screening can also be completed at community health centres, mobile women’s health services, women’s health centre, family planning or sexual health clinic, True Relationship and Reproductive Health Clinics or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health service.
References
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- Dorney, E., & Black, K. (2024). Preconception Care. Australian Journal of General Practice. 53(11). https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-08-23-6927
- The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2024). Pre-pregnancy counselling (C-Obs 3a). https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Pre-Pregnancy-Counselling.pdf
- Mackay A, Taylor S, Anderson E, Glass B. Role of allied health professionals in fertility care: a scoping review. Hum Fertil (Camb). 2025 Dec;28(1):2480074. doi: 10.1080/14647273.2025.2480074. Epub 2025 Jun 18. PMID: 40530740.
Understand your health before the baby bump
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