Preconception Advice & Natural Conception Brisbane

Dr Sharon Li and her team offer preconception or pre-pregnancy advice

The stages of preconception and pre-pregnancy are extremely vital to help optimise the chances of successful conception. This success is largely dependent on your health, nutrition and lifestyle leading up to the time you attempt to conceive.

While mature sperm requires two months to form, the maturation of eggs typically occurs 14-15 weeks prior to ovulation. As such, female reproductive health is an essential part during the pre-pregnancy periods.

What is reproductive health care?

Dr Sharon Li advises women attempting to fall pregnant to receive a pre-pregnancy check-up with an obstetrician or gynaecologist.

During this private appointment, Dr Li will discuss your health and family history, diet and lifestyle habits. She may take blood tests to check vitamin and mineral levels as well as your levels against particular infections.

In the case that you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, epilepsy or reduced thyroid function or a family history of neural tube defects, she will recommend special monitoring, genetic screening or further testing.

Preconception diet and exercise

As with everything, nutrition is key to maintaining pre-pregnancy wellbeing. It is important that during preconception, your diet is full of high nutritional foods including vitamins and minerals. We recommend a well-balanced diet of fresh vegetables and fibre.

Along with a healthy diet, regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, both before and during pregnancy.

For women who smoke, use illicit drugs or consume large amounts of alcohol, we strongly advise forming a plan with your gynaecologist to abstain from this lifestyle three months prior to conception.

Preconception supplements

In some cases, a blood test may indicate low levels of certain elements. During the preconception period and pregnancy, it is essential that folate levels are maintained. As such, we recommended women take folic acid supplements to help reduce the risk of some birth defects.

Preconception vaccines

As part of your preconception care, it is highly recommended you’re up-to-date with your vaccinations. There’s a range of viral infections, which can be harmful to an unborn baby during pregnancy.

During a preconception appointment, Dr Sharon Li will check your immunity levels and determine the best course of vaccines to ensure a successful conception and healthy pregnancy.

Discuss your immunity levels against the following illnesses with your gynaecologist or obstetrician:

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Varicella (chickenpox)
Hepatitis B
Whooping Cough (pertussis)
Flu (influenza)

A strong immunity will be passed onto your baby and provide protection during the first weeks of life before they can be safely vaccinated.