Pregnancy Planning & Fertility Advice in Coogee
Thinking About Starting a Family? Your GP Is Your First Step
Planning a pregnancy is one of the most important health decisions you'll make, and seeing your GP 3 to 6 months before you start trying can make a real difference. Preconception care — the care you receive before becoming pregnant — helps identify and address health factors that could affect your fertility, your pregnancy, and your baby's development.
At our Coogee general practice, we support patients through every stage of pregnancy planning with evidence-based advice aligned with guidelines from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
What Does Preconception Care Involve?
A preconception consultation with your GP at Coogee Beach Doctors may include:
- Folic acid advice — Australian guidelines recommend starting 400 micrograms of folic acid daily at least 12 weeks before trying to conceive to reduce the risk of neural tube defects
- Blood tests — checking immunity to rubella, iron levels, thyroid function, and screening for sexually transmitted infections
- Genetic carrier screening — recommended for all people planning a pregnancy to identify risks for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and fragile X syndrome
- Cervical screening — ensuring you are up to date before pregnancy
- Lifestyle review — guidance on nutrition, a healthy weight, exercise, and ceasing smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs
- Medication review — checking that any current medications are safe to continue during pregnancy
Your doctor will provide advice around investigations and screening that is recommended prior to becoming pregnant, as well as lifestyle factors to optimise fertility.
Book a Preconception Appointment in Coogee
Whether you are just starting to think about pregnancy or have already been trying to conceive, our GPs in Coogee are here to help. Book a preconception appointment today and take a proactive approach to your reproductive health.