❗Pre-conception Timeline Guide

When to start folic acid and how early to prepare

Two lines on a pregnancy test?
You are actually already about 3 weeks late ⚠️

Your baby’s neural tube starts developing at weeks 3–5 of pregnancy,
but most women don’t even know they’re pregnant at this stage.

So real pre-conception planning needs to start early.

🇦🇺 First Step in Australia | How to Find a GP

If you are in Australia and don’t have a regular GP or need something quick:

👉 Use Healthengine
📱 Search nearby doctors and see the earliest available appointments

👉 Simply tell your GP:
“I’m planning for pregnancy”
They will organise the appropriate tests for you.

🩺 What Does a Pre-conception Check Include?

👩 For women:

• Blood test + urine test

👨 For men:

• Blood test (recommend asking for a urine test as well)

👉 No fasting required
👉 Results usually come back in 3–5 days

🧪 Common Tests (Save This!)

• Full blood count + blood type
• Thyroid function
• Rubella / Measles / Mumps
• Chickenpox (many people need a booster)
• Toxoplasmosis
• Hepatitis B / C
• Syphilis / HIV
• Vitamin D / Iron
• Hormones

⚠️ Important After Testing

👉 If immunity is low → vaccination is required

❗After your final vaccine dose:
Avoid pregnancy for 1–2 months

⏰ Pre-conception Timeline (Key Part!)

📅 6 Months Before (Ideal)

• Complete health checks
• Update vaccinations
• Adjust body weight
• Stop smoking and alcohol
• Start folic acid

📅 3 Months Before (Minimum)

• Exercise 150 minutes per week
• Improve sleep routine
• Male partner starts sperm health support

📅 1 Month Before

• Track ovulation cycle
• Stop oral contraceptives
• Avoid unnecessary medications

💊 Folic Acid Guide (For BOTH)

👩 For Women (Very Important‼️)

👉 Start 3 months before conception
👉 400–800 mcg daily
👉 Continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy, then adjust as advised by your doctor

💡 Advanced approach (often recommended by GPs):

• 5 months before: every second day
• 3 months before: daily

👉 Common brand: Elevit Pre-conception & Pregnancy

👨 For Men (Often Overlooked❗)

👉 Start 3 months before
👉 1 capsule daily

💡 Why?
Sperm production cycle is about 74 days

👉 Common brand: Menevit
(contains zinc, selenium, antioxidants)

👨‍👩‍👧 It’s a Team Effort

👩 For Women:

• Folic acid
• Weight management
• Thyroid and blood sugar
• Dental health (often overlooked❗)

👨 For Men:

• Stop smoking and alcohol
• Take zinc and selenium
• Avoid sauna and prolonged sitting
• Avoid tight clothing

⚠️ Small Details That Matter

• Avoid direct contact with soil (toxoplasmosis risk)
• Do not handle pet waste
• Maintain good food hygiene
• Prioritise sleep and reduce stress

❗❗❗Share with your partner 👇

Time to start preparing together 📅