Baby planning time - Preconception FAQs

Do I need to see a doctor before trying to conceive?

If you have the luxury of planning your pregnancy, you may want to see the doctor or your nurse (depending on the availability at your doctor's surgery) to discuss any of your concerns. I remember seeing the nurse at my surgery about six months before we started trying. I went to see her simply because I wanted to know when to stop taking the pill and how to time the pregnancy so that I could have a baby in the millenium!

You may, however, want to discuss your smear tests (if you haven't had any in the past three years, you may need one) and also request the doctor for a blood test to determine your immunity to rubella. You can also use this appointment to get a prescription for folic acid.

It is highly recommended that you see the doctor if you have had problems with previous pregnancies, have a long-standing illness, are over- or under-weight for your height or have any other concerns.

See also Pre-pregnancy checklist

Are there any risks involved in taking folic acid supplements?

No, there are not, but if you don't want to take supplements (discuss with your doctor first), you should make sure that your diet includes certain foods, such as dark, green, leafy vegetables, that are high in folic acid. It may be noted that vegetables lose their folic acid to an extent when cooked, which is why folic acid supplements are highly recommended.

Click here for other folic acid sources

What is the best time to get pregnant after a rubella (German measles) injection?

The rubella injection contains a small amount of inactivated live virus that your body recognises as foreign and to which it builds up an immunity. It takes three months to build up the immunity and during this time it is unwise to risk exposing a developing baby to the rubella virus.

See also immunity to rubella

Will conception be difficult because I have painful or heavy periods?

Probably not, but if you have severe symptoms see your doctor to rule out an underlying cause such as fibroids, endometriosis or a pelvic infection.

Will conception be difficult because my periods are infrequent and irregular?

Possibly. Irregularity makes it hader to plan a pregnancy. You may need medical advice to work out when you ovulate.

What happens if both my partner and I are over 30?

Male fertility is not greatly affected by age, but the fertility of women over 35 does gradually decline.

See also Over 35 years and thinking about a baby?

What is a sperm test?

If you are having problems conceiving, a sperm test is carried out to determine your partner's fertility. The sperm are examined to see how well they move and how many abnormal sperm there are. The lower the proportion of healthy sperm, the more difficult it is to get pregnant, and the longer it may take.

When are fertility drugs used?

Fertility drugs are used when hormonal problems prevent ovulation.

If I take fertility drugs, will I have twins or more?

Not necessarily, although the odds do increase.

What are fraternal twins?

Fraternal twins develop when two eggs are fertilised by two separate sperm. Each twin has its own placenta. These twins may or may not be of the same sex and are not identical to look at.

What are identical twins?

Identical twins develop when the fertilised egg divides into two halves, both producing identical babies. The twins share the same placenta. They are always of the same sex and resemble each other in terms of physical characteristics.

How is the sex of the baby determined?

The sex of your baby is determined by two of the 46 chromosomes that make up its genetic blueprint. The sperm and the egg carry one of these each. An egg has an X chromosome but the sperm has either an X or a Y chromosome. If it is an X-bearing sperm that fertilises the egg, you will have a baby girl; if the sperm carries a Y chromosome, you will have a boy. Therefore, the father determines the baby's gender.

Increase the likelihood of choosing the gender of your baby

What is genetic counselling?

If there is a history of hereditary diseases, such as haemophilia or cystic fibrosis, in your family, or if you know that you and your partner have incompatible blood types, consider seeing a genetic counsellor for advice before you conceive.