Preconception
Complete Preconception Course
A 12-week, step-by-step program to get your body, lifestyle and plans ready for pregnancy, based on Australian guidance.
A$34.99Buy
Preconception courses: getting your body ready for pregnancy
Two courses on the vitamins, food and lifestyle steps Australian health advice recommends before you start trying, with checklists to take to your GP.
- 2 courses
- Tools in every course
- Certificate included
Healthdirect suggests seeing your GP about 3 to 6 months before you start trying to get pregnant. It is a chance to review medicines, vaccinations, health conditions and weight, and to plan supplements. National advice is to take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day, ideally starting 1 to 3 months before conception and continuing through the first 3 months of pregnancy, plus an iodine supplement of 150 micrograms a day when you are considering pregnancy.
Some people need a higher 5 mg dose of folic acid, which a GP prescribes. This includes people who take anti-epilepsy medicines, have diabetes, have overweight or obesity, or had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect. In Australia, bread-making flour has folic acid added and bread is made with iodised salt, but 3 slices of bread give only about 120 micrograms of folic acid, so a supplement is still advised.
The NHMRC alcohol guidelines say people who are planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol. Our courses turn this advice into a pre-pregnancy checklist, a supplement tracker, a GP question sheet and a 12-week plan. If you have a thyroid condition, talk to your GP before taking iodine.
All preconception courses
Preconception
Vitamins Before Pregnancy (Folic Acid, Iodine & Vitamin D)
Folic acid, iodine and vitamin D before pregnancy, explained clearly, with a supplement checklist, daily tracker and higher-dose checker.
A$24.99Buy
Which preconception course suits you
- Just want the supplement facts? Vitamins Before Pregnancy covers folic acid, iodine and vitamin D, who may need a higher folic acid dose and how to read a pregnancy multivitamin label.
- Planning a few months ahead? The Complete Preconception Course covers food, weight, alcohol, activity, medicines and the GP visit, with a 12-week preparation planner.
Link your supplement to something you already do every day, such as brushing your teeth, and tick it off in the tracker. Missed days are easier to spot that way.
What the preconception tools do
- Pre-pregnancy checklist: the steps to work through in the months before trying, from medicines to vaccinations.
- Supplement checklist and daily tracker: keep folic acid and iodine on track every day.
- Higher-dose eligibility checker: shows whether you should ask your GP about 5 mg folic acid. It signposts only and does not set a dose.
- Vitamin label checker: check the folic acid and iodine in a product, and avoid kelp or seaweed supplements, which are not recommended.
- GP appointment prep sheet and lifestyle tracker: write down your questions and follow alcohol, activity and food habits week by week.
When to speak to your GP
Book a GP appointment before trying if you take regular medicines (do not stop them without advice), have a long-term condition such as diabetes, epilepsy or a thyroid condition, or think you may need the higher folic acid dose.
Once you have a positive pregnancy test, contact your GP or a midwife to arrange your pregnancy care. In early pregnancy, heavy bleeding or severe tummy pain needs urgent care: go to your nearest emergency department or call 000.
For pregnancy questions at any hour, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.
Preconception courses: your questions
When should I start taking folic acid?
Take at least 400 micrograms a day, ideally from 1 to 3 months before conception, and keep taking it through the first 3 months of pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and have not started, begin now and tell your GP or midwife.
Do I need iodine as well as folic acid?
Yes. NHMRC advice is a 150 microgram iodine supplement each day for anyone considering pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have a thyroid condition, talk to your GP first.
Who needs the higher dose of folic acid?
Healthdirect lists people who take anti-epilepsy medicines, have diabetes, have overweight or obesity, had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, have a family history of one, or have a condition that affects how nutrients are absorbed. The 5 mg dose is prescribed by a GP.
Should I take vitamin D before pregnancy?
There is no single routine dose set for everyone in Australia. Some people are advised to have their vitamin D level checked. Ask your GP whether a test or supplement is right for you.
Can I drink alcohol while trying to conceive?
The NHMRC alcohol guidelines say people who are planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol, because it is not possible to know exactly when pregnancy begins.
Is there anything for my partner?
Yes. The lifestyle tracker works for both of you. For adults not planning a pregnancy themselves, NHMRC guidance sets a limit of 10 standard drinks per week, with a maximum of 4 in a single day.
Official sources
Start your supplement this week
Open the vitamins course, check your multivitamin label with the label checker and set up the daily tracker.