← All guides · Women's health and pregnancy
Preparing for pregnancy
preconception care · pregnancy planning · checkup before pregnancy · preparing to conceive
This is a doctor's visit before pregnancy. The doctor checks your health, orders tests, and advises you on how to prepare.
When you plan to get pregnant in the coming months. Especially if you have a long-term illness or had difficult pregnancies before.
⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes; test results are usually ready in a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Your cycle. Remember the date your last period started.
- Documents. Gather past test results and your vaccination record.
- Questions. Write down what you want to ask: vitamins, diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol.
What to bring
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
- Past test results
- Your vaccination record, if you have one
How it goes
- The doctor asks about your health and plans
- You have an exam, sometimes a pelvic exam
- You get referrals for blood and urine tests and swabs
- Sometimes an ultrasound is ordered
- The doctor recommends vitamins and lifestyle changes
- Your partner may also be advised to get checked
What you'll feel
- A regular visit with nothing unpleasant
- The pelvic exam may be a little uncomfortable
Afterwards
- Do the tests on the list
- Come back to the doctor with the results
- You are usually advised to start folic acid ahead of time. The doctor will tell you the dose
- You may be advised to get vaccines before pregnancy
Common questions
How long before pregnancy should I start preparing?
Usually 2 to 3 months before. Your doctor will tell you more exactly.
Does my partner need to be checked?
Often, yes: a general checkup and tests for infections. Sometimes a semen analysis.