MY

NOTES

Check for pre-existing medical conditions;

Pap smear;

Breast check;

Review medications.

Test for Rubella immunity, if low, vaccinate.

Test for Chicken Pox immunity if unsure of previous infection or immunisation, if low, vaccinate.

Remember to avoid pregnancy for 28 days if you need to be vaccinated, as rubella and chicken pox vaccines contain live viruses.

Routine influenza immunisation. 

Catch up routine immunisation for diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, measles and mumps as needed.

Cocoon Immunise: make sure all adults including grandparents have a booster, especially for whooping cough.

Talk to your doctor about testing for Toxoplasmosis immunity.

Familiarise yourself with preventive measures to decrease likelihood of infection.

Talk to your doctor about testing for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunity.

Familiarise yourself with preventive measures that can decrease the likelihood of infection.

Talk to your doctor about checking your vitamin B12 level.

Familiarise yourself with measures that ensure your vitamin B12 level is optimal in pregnancy.

Check for underlying gum disease. 

Attend to any dental work that may need attention.

Familiarise yourself with issues related to gum disease and risks to the baby.

Start folate supplementation one month pre-conception and for three months after to significantly reduce the likelihood of neural tube defect. Have 400 micrograms daily as a single supplement or as part of a specific pregnancy supplement.

Take a pregnancy supplement that contains iodine as well as folate.

Talk to your OHS representative.

Talk your doctor about any tests.

Familiarise yourself with the potential hazards of X-rays and radiation. 

Decrease fish intake to recommended levels three months pre-conception, to reduce risk of mercury toxicity. 

Familiarise yourself with dangerous foods that pose a threat to your baby from food borne infections and toxins. 

Invest in a food thermometer so you can be sure that at risk foods are completely cooked. 

Preferably avoid alcohol altogether or if you choose to drink alcohol familiarise yourself with safe levels of one to two standard drinks per day, one to two days a week.

If you smoke talk to your doctor or contact the Quit-line to help you stop well before pregnancy.

Moderate your caffeine intake and familiarise yourself with the recommended safe levels of intake.

Avoid all recreational drugs and seek help from a counselling service if needed.

Be aware of the issues related to lead exposure in pre-1970s houses and if any work is to be done, move out and return to the house only when the dust has completely settled.

If any painting is to be done, get it done beforehand or avoid paint fumes.

Wear appropriate protective clothing e.g. masks and gloves when using chemical products (household cleaners, fungicides, paints, varnishes ,thinners) and use only as directed.

If needed talk to your OHS representative at work.