Preparing for Pregnancy

Thinking of trying for a baby? Welcome to Monash IVF - we’re thrilled to have you here!

We understand that trying to fall pregnant is exciting and stressful. Preparing your body in advance gives you the very best chance of a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. Ultimately, it will help you take your longed-for baby home sooner. And that’s what we’re all aiming for.

Preparing for Pregnancy

General health check

If you’ve decided to try for a baby, congratulations. Exciting times!

Before you get started, we recommend you go and see your GP for a chat and a check-up. Your check-up should include:

  • making sure your pap smear is up to date
  • a breast check
  • blood pressure
  • weight screening
  • blood tests
  • lifestyle advice

If you have a partner, they’ll need a health check too. You should both be tested for:

  • immunity to rubella and chickenpox - some infectious diseases can affect your baby’s development.
  • sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This minimises the risk of STIs affecting your fertility. It also means you’re less likely to pass on an infection to each other or to your baby.

Fertility health assessment

A fertility health assessment is a great way to proactively care for your fertility and increase your chances of conception. We recommend booking an appointment with a fertility specialist to complete this assessment. Based on your medical history and individual circumstances, your specialist may recommend a series of tests.

For women, these tests may include:

  • a blood test on day two-five of your cycle to assess your fertility. This specific test will measure your levels of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Prolactin
  • a comprehensive antenatal blood test. This test measures your blood group, full blood count and immunity to rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox). It also screens for thalassemia and STIs including VDRL (syphilis), HIV, Hep B and Hep C
  • an up-to-date cervical screening test
  • preconception genetic carrier screening
  • an AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) blood test to measure your ovarian reserve
  • a pelvic ultrasound (in the early follicular stage of your cycle)
  • for more complex cases, a patient may require a specialised pelvic ultrasound - such as a HyCoSy (used to examine the fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs) or a Sonohysterogram (a study of the uterus)

For men, these tests may include:

  • a blood test to assess male hormones
  • a blood test to screen for STIs including HIV, Hep C and Hep B
  • preconception genetic carrier screening
  • a semen analysis to check for sperm quality and possible infections
  • in the case of abnormal semen results - such as low sperm count, poor motility (movement) and poor morphology (shape) - some men will need to have two semen analyses completed

Ways to prepare your body for pregnancy

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Start your fertility journey

Wherever you are on your journey, one of our supportive nurse enquiry team can help you understand your options and take the next step. These conversations are free and informative.

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