Preconception occurs before you begin trying to conceive a child. Healthy habits can make you live a healthier, longer life. They will also give your baby the best start in life. You can prepare for pregnancy with the help of your doctor by discussing medical conditions and checking on your general health. This may include past problems with pregnancy, medications (prescription and over-the-counter) as well as supplements or herbal treatments. You can also ask your doctor for advice on what to do before trying to get pregnant, including getting immunised and discontinuing any medications that are harmful to the foetus.

Your doctor may suggest that you and/or your partner receive genetic counselling prior to attempting pregnancy if you or your partner have a history of genetic disorders. You will learn if you need to avoid certain genetic disorders in your child. These include cystic fibrosis or fragile X syndrome.

Healthy foods high in iron and protein will help you prepare your body for pregnancy. Try whole grains like oatmeal or brown rice, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans. Avoid fatty, contaminated fish that may contain toxic substances such as mercury. Limit your consumption of red meat. Choose lean meats, and consume more poultry and seafood. Drink alcohol in moderation, and avoid smoking or using street or prescription drugs.

Six months prior to trying to conceive, it is a good idea to begin preparing your body to become pregnant. This is when your womb will be most fertile and you can make the biggest changes to your lifestyle.

Your provider will be able to tell you the best time to have a pregnancy check-up. They can also tell you what your most fertile menstrual period is. You can narrow down your window of opportunity to conceive, and plan better for your pregnancy.

Many women who wish to have children do not plan their pregnancies. However, they still face negative health outcomes. It is crucial to include this population when conducting research and promoting health, as up to half of all pregnancies can be unplanned. It is possible to achieve this by using new definitions which are inclusive and focus on preconception population attributes. Concept analysis is the process of analysing concepts, like preconception populations, in order to produce a working definition with associated attributes. This process involves breaking down a concept to its constituent parts. Examples include defining attributes, identifying possible uses, identifying models, identifying other cases, and determining the empirical referents.

If you would like to speak with a Doctor who is an expert in the field or has Australian training, please contact us. Book an online Telehealth consultation. We are always here for you, 24/7. Contact info@clinicall.com.au.