Preparing for pregnancy is such an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most powerful steps you can take before trying to conceive is scheduling a preconception check-up. This visit isn’t just a routine appointment—it’s an opportunity to set yourself and your partner up for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
When we address potential concerns early, we’re giving our future baby the best start.
Why a Preconception Check-Up Matters
A preconception check-up gives your doctor a chance to assess your overall health, review your medical history, and guide you on lifestyle changes or treatments that can make a big difference. Some benefits include:
- Identifying and managing underlying health conditions
- Ensuring vaccinations are up to date
- Optimizing fertility and reproductive health
- Reducing the risk of pregnancy complications
If you want to dive deeper into preparing your body for conception, my Yes, You Can Get Pregnant book is a great resource, or consider one of my fertility masterclasses for step-by-step guidance.
What to Discuss With Your Doctor
1. Medical History & Preexisting Conditions
Your doctor will review any chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases. Managing these before pregnancy can significantly reduce complications.
2. Medications & Supplements
Not all medications or supplements are safe when trying to conceive. Be sure to discuss everything you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, herbal supplements, and vitamins. I often guide my clients on Fertility Coaching Program for both men and women.
3. Get the Right Labs Done
Understanding what’s happening inside your body is essential for improving fertility. Comprehensive lab work can reveal hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid issues, inflammation, and other underlying factors that directly affect your ability to conceive. To help you get clarity on your reproductive health, I recommend starting with my Fertility Labs Test Panel.
4. Nutrition & Lifestyle Recommendations
A balanced diet supports fertility and pregnancy health. Prenatal vitamins—especially those containing methyl folate—are essential to help prevent neural tube defects and support healthy conception. Your doctor can also advise on maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress. For deeper, personalized guidance, my Natural Fertility Coaching Program covers diet, lifestyle, and supplements that optimize fertility naturally, and my book The Egg Quality Diet provides a comprehensive, step-by-step nutritional framework to support egg health and overall fertility.
5. Fertility Health & Menstrual Cycle
Understanding ovulation and your menstrual cycle is key to boosting your chances of conception. Irregular cycles, heavy periods, PCOS, or endometriosis can all affect fertility—but there are strategies to help regulate cycles and improve outcomes. I cover these strategies in depth in my Fertility Hormones 101 Masterclass and in my best-selling fertility books
6. Screening for Genetic Conditions
Genetic screening can help identify inherited conditions that could affect your baby. If needed, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling to evaluate risks.
7. Environmental & Occupational Risks
Exposure to toxins, heavy metals, or radiation can impact fertility. Using natural, hormone-safe products and minimizing environmental risks can make a difference.
8. Mental & Emotional Well-Being
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Anxiety, depression, or chronic stress can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Practices like meditation, journaling, and mindful routines—which I cover in my IVF Prep Masterclass—can create a more positive preconception experience.
Final Thoughts
A preconception check-up is more than a medical visit—it’s a proactive, empowering step toward parenthood. By addressing potential health concerns, optimizing fertility, and making informed choices, you give yourself and your future baby the best start possible.