Pre-Pregnancy Check in Point Cook
Planning to have a baby in the next few months? A pre-pregnancy check in Point Cook gives you a chance to sort out vaccines, supplements, screening and medicines before you conceive, when changes are easiest to make. Our GPs at Juniper Avenue Medical Centre provide this preconception visit for anyone thinking about pregnancy, whether it is your first or a later one.
When to book
healthdirect recommends seeing a doctor about three to six months before you start trying. That leaves time for supplements to build up, for vaccines that need a gap before conception, and for any test results to come back.
What a pre-pregnancy check in Point Cook covers
Pre-pregnancy counselling starts with a conversation about your health and family history, mental health, lifestyle and any previous pregnancies. Depending on what comes up, your GP may also arrange:
- Blood tests, collected by Dorevitch Pathology at the clinic
- A breast check
- A cervical screening test if you are due
- A review of your vaccination history
Bring a list of every medicine and supplement you take, including anything bought from a pharmacy or health food shop. Tell your GP about conditions that run in either family, as this helps decide which tests are useful. Results are usually sent by text, or by phone if urgent, and you can book a follow-up to go through them.
Folic acid and iodine
Folic acid lowers the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Most people are advised to take 400 micrograms a day, starting 12 weeks before trying to conceive and continuing until at least 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some people need a higher dose, so check with your GP before you buy a supplement.
Iodine supports the baby’s brain and nervous system, and 150 micrograms a day is the usual recommendation, continued through pregnancy.
Vaccines before pregnancy
Some infections are far more serious during pregnancy, and a few vaccines cannot be given once you are pregnant. Your GP may suggest measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), chickenpox, whooping cough or hepatitis B vaccines depending on your history. The Australian Immunisation Handbook advises avoiding pregnancy for 28 days after an MMR vaccine. More about vaccines for adults is on our adult immunisation page.
Genetic carrier screening
Carrier screening checks whether you could pass on certain inherited conditions, including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome. A Medicare item covers testing for these three conditions for someone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy, limited to once in a lifetime. If you are found to be a carrier, your partner can then be tested.
Medicines, health conditions and lifestyle
Long-term conditions are easier to manage in pregnancy when they are stable beforehand. Some medicines may need changing, so talk to your GP before stopping or switching anything yourself. Stopping smoking, alcohol and drugs, and reaching a healthy weight, help both partners. A dental check is also worth booking before you conceive.
Once you are pregnant, our pregnancy care page explains what happens next.
Common questions
Is carrier screening compulsory?
No. It is your choice, and your GP can explain what a positive result would mean for you and your partner before you decide.
Does my partner need to come too?
It is a good idea. Their smoking, alcohol use, health conditions and family history all matter, and they may be tested if carrier screening shows you are a carrier.
What if I am already pregnant?
Book a regular appointment instead. Your GP can confirm the pregnancy, talk about supplements and start antenatal care.
How much does the visit cost?
Juniper Avenue is a mixed billing clinic, so there may be an out-of-pocket fee depending on your doctor. See the fees page, then book online or call reception.