pre - pregnancy

Preconception Checklist (Your Fertility) - Women

Preconception Checklist (Your Fertility) - Men

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Preconception Checklist (Family Planning NSW)

YourFertility Ovulation Calculator

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YourFertility

Iodine & Folate        

    1. Blackmores iFolic     (Take 1 tablet daily, Approx 10c per day)

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Iodine & Folate PLUS multivitamins

     1. Blackmores pregnancy & breastfeeding         (Take 2 tablets daily; Approx 45c per day) 

     2. Elevit                                                                    (Take 1 tablet daily, Approx 50c per day)

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High Dose Folate      

    3. Megafol      (5mg tab. 15c per day)        <- If prescribed by your doctor only

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Folic acid 0.5mg folic acid daily for at least 1 month before & the first 3 months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube (NT) defects and spina bifida (incomplete brain/spine/spinal cord development). If there is an increased risk, a 5mg daily dose is recommended. This includes if you are taking epilepsy medication, have diabetes, are obese (BMI>30), or have a previous child or family member affected by a NT defect.

Iodine 150mcg per day is recommended pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

VCGS Pre-Pair Testing - Order a Saliva Test Kit Here

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VCGS Pre-pair Brochure

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RANZCOG - Reproductive Carrier Screening (About)

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Reproductive_carrier_screening fact_sheet (NSW Health)

Understanding fertility, fertility treatments, donor conception, surrogacy, etc

VARTA (Vic Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority) Information

Monash IVF

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Australia's first LGBTQI+ Fertility & IVF provider

Rainbow Fertility

Healthy Eating & Food Safety in Pregnancy 

Good Nutrition

Healthy eating for vegetarian or vegan pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

Australian Dietary Guidelines (Very in-depth guide)

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Better Health Channel - Weight, fertility & pregnancy health

Expected Weight Gain in Pregnancy

Jean Hailes - Pregnancy & Weight

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Better Health Channel - Exercise in Pregnancy

Royal Women's Hospital - Active Pregnancy

Exercise is important during pregnancy and can help you with stay within a healthy weight. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about your individual exercise capabilities while pregnant.

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Smoking

Quit in Pregnancy

Quit Line Victoria

Quit Kit

QuitBuddy App

Cigarettes & Tobacco

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Alcohol

Alcohol during pregnancy & breastfeeding

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Drug Use

Drug use in pregnancy (Royal Women's Hospital)

Drug & Alcohol Foundation 

Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre: Maternal Vaccinations in Pregnancy

Australian Immunisation Handbook: Vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding

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Rubella

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Hep B

Influenza

COVID

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You should see your GP to discuss individual vaccine requirements prior to a planned pregnancy.

Adult women of childbearing age should avoid getting pregnant for at least four weeks after receiving Rubella or Varicella vaccines. 

Better Health - Pregnancy & Teeth

Dental Health Services Victoria

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It is a great idea to see your dentist prior to a planned pregnancy and ensure any major dental work is preferably completed prior to conception.

Better Health Channel - Thalassaemia

Thalassaemia Testing Info Sheet

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Thalassaemia is a common inherited red blood cell condition

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Testing is particularly recommended in people with the following ethnic origins: 

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Screening for Alpha (α) thalassaemia: China, South East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand (Maori).

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Screening for Beta (β) thalassaemia: more common in people whose ancestry is from the Middle East, Mediterranean, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Central and South East Asia and the Caribbean.

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It is recommended that all couples thought to be at risk, be tested for their

"thalassaemia carrier status" before starting a family.

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