Pre-Pregnancy Health Check

The Pre-Pregnancy Health Check: Plan for a Healthy, Confident Conception

Making the decision to start a family is one of life’s most exciting moments. Before you begin your journey to parenthood, taking the time for a Pre-Pregnancy Health Check is a powerful and proactive step to ensure your body is fully prepared for the healthiest possible pregnancy.

At Happiher, our specialist-led Pre-Pregnancy Health Check is designed for individuals and couples who want to move forward with confidence. This comprehensive outpatient assessment goes beyond standard advice, providing you with a personalised health “MOT,” expert guidance, and a clear action plan to optimise your health before you even start trying to conceive.

Why Have a Pre-Pregnancy Health Check?

This check is about empowerment and optimisation. It allows you to:

• Optimise Your Natural Fertility: Identify and address any lifestyle factors or underlying health issues that could be easily improved to boost your chances of conceiving smoothly.
• Ensure the Healthiest Start for Your Baby: A mother’s health before conception has a direct impact on the health of the pregnancy and the baby. We help ensure you are in the best possible shape.
• Gain Peace of Mind: Address any concerns you may have about your gynaecological health, previous medical conditions, or medications, so you can embark on your journey free from unnecessary worry.
• Create a Personalised Action Plan: Receive a clear, tailored plan for supplements, diet, and lifestyle, specific to your needs.

This service is ideal for anyone planning to start trying for a baby within the next 6-12 months.

What Does Our Comprehensive Check Involve?

Our Pre-Pregnancy Health Check is a detailed, holistic review of the key factors that contribute to a healthy conception.

1. The In-Depth Consultation
   This is the foundation of your check. We will discuss:

• • Your personal and family medical history.
  • Your menstrual cycle and gynaecological health.
  • Your current lifestyle, including diet, exercise, stress, and alcohol/caffeine intake.
  • Any medications you are currently taking to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.
  • A review of your vaccination status (e.g., Rubella).

2. Essential Health Screening
   We perform key baseline checks:

• • Blood pressure check
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation

3. Targeted Blood Tests
   A simple blood test provides vital information. Our core panel includes:

• • Full Blood Count: To check for anaemia.
  • Thyroid Function Test: An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect ovulation and pregnancy.
  • Vitamin D Level: Essential for both maternal and fetal health.
  • Haemoglobin Variant Screening: To check for conditions like sickle cell or thalassaemia trait.

4. Cervical Health Confirmation
   We will confirm that your cervical smear tests are up-to-date and normal.

Your Outcome: A Personalised Pre-Conception Plan

Following your consultation and tests, you will receive a clear and actionable plan tailored to you. This includes:

• Folic Acid and Supplement Guidance: We will provide a specific recommendation for folic acid intake and advise on any other necessary supplements, such as Vitamin D.
• Lifestyle Optimisation Advice: Personalised, evidence-based guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications to support a healthy conception.
• Referrals if Needed: If any issues are identified during the check that require further investigation (e.g., signs of PCOS, fibroids, or thyroid issues), we will create a clear plan for the next steps.
• Confidence and Reassurance: You will leave feeling empowered, knowledgeable, and confident that you have done everything you can to prepare for a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Should my partner come to the appointment?
   While this check is focused on the female partner’s health, we strongly encourage your partner to attend the consultation. Fertility is a team effort, and lifestyle changes are often easier to implement together. We also highly recommend the male partner undertakes a semen analysis for a complete picture.
2. I have an existing medical condition. Can I still have this check?
   Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most important reasons to have a pre-pregnancy check. We can provide specialist guidance on how to manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or epilepsy to ensure the safest possible pregnancy.
3. When is the best time to have this check?
   The ideal time is about 3 to 6 months before you plan to start trying to conceive. This gives you ample time to implement any recommended lifestyle changes or take supplements to build up your nutritional stores.
4. What if I’m already taking supplements?
   Please bring them with you to your appointment. We can review them to ensure you are taking the correct type and dosage for pre-conception health.

Give Your Family the Healthiest Possible Start

Invest in your health today for a healthier tomorrow. Plan your pregnancy journey with confidence and expert support.