Preparing to get pregnant is one of the most proactive steps individuals and couples can take to improve their chances of a healthy pregnancy. Preconception health is critical because it affects both your chances of conceiving and the health of the pregnancy and the child.
Good preconception care is about understanding what might be affecting fertility before conception is even attempted. Dr Rozen will assess both partners and provide guidance on strategies ranging from lifestyle modifications to medical interventions to optimise your fertility and reduce the risk of complications.
There are many strategies for improving preconception fertility health. By adopting healthy lifestyle practices, managing medical conditions, and seeking preconception care, individuals and couples can improve their chances of achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Lifestyle plays a bigger role in fertility than many patients realise, and many of these factors are within reach to change. Key areas to consider optimising include:
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports fertility for both partners. If you’re a woman planning to conceive, folic acid supplementation is recommended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in early pregnancy.
Being significantly underweight or overweight can disrupt hormonal balance and affect fertility. Obesity is also linked to ovulatory dysfunction in women and reduced semen quality in men. Dr Rozen takes a broader view of how weight and overall health interact, rather than relying on BMI alone.
Regular, moderate exercise supports fertility. However, excessive exercise can have the opposite effect, particularly in women, so finding the right balance matters.
Moderate caffeine intake of around one to two cups of coffee per day is generally considered safe, but higher amounts may be worth addressing. High alcohol intake is associated with a decreased likelihood of conception.
Smoking is associated with up to 60% increased risk of infertility3 in women and affects sperm quality in men. It also increases the risk of pregnancy complications.
Beyond lifestyle, there are several medical considerations worth addressing before conception. These include:
Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hypertension should be well managed before trying to conceive, as they can affect both fertility and pregnancy outcomes
Both partners should be screened for sexually transmitted infections, as some can affect fertility without causing obvious symptoms
Some medications can impair fertility, so it’s worth reviewing everything you’re taking before you begin trying
A preconception health check is a chance to understand where both partners’ health stands before you start trying, and to address anything that might affect your chances of conceiving or having a healthy pregnancy. Dr Rozen takes a thorough approach that goes well beyond a standard GP checkup, looking at the full picture for both partners across two key areas:
A review of both partners’ medical history, physical examination, and specific tests to build a clear picture of your reproductive health and identify anything worth addressing before you begin trying.
If you have a family history of genetic disorders or come from an ethnic background with a higher prevalence of certain genetic conditions, screening before conception can help identify any risks that may affect your child. Dr Rozen can advise whether a PGT test is right for you.
“The preconception period is one of the most important opportunities we have. Investment at this stage can have a significant impact on what comes next, and I find it one of the most valuable conversations to have with patients.”
– Dr Genia Rozen, Fertility Specialist, Genea Melbourne City and Frankston
