15 October 2025
Planning to start trying? Here is your ultimate Trying for a Baby Checklist.
Planning to start trying? Taking a few critical steps now can drastically improve your chances of conception and set the stage for a healthy pregnancy. This Ultimate Trying for a Baby Checklist is your essential roadmap to preconception health and planning.
Book Your Preconception Health Checkup
Preparing for pregnancy starts with good health. It’s best for both you and your partner to have a thorough health assessment or at least ensure you’re in your best possible health before trying for a baby.
Your doctor may recommend a preconception check-up that can include blood tests to assess your immunity, vitamin levels, blood count, and iron stores. Taking these steps early can help create the healthiest possible environment for conception and a strong start for your future baby.
Your doctor may also recommend pre-genetic screening tests for conditions such as Cystic fibrosis, Spinal muscular atrophy, and Fragile X syndrome. In addition, your thalassemia status and thyroid function may be checked to help identify any underlying health issues that could affect fertility or pregnancy.
To protect both you and your future baby, your doctor will ensure that your vaccinations are up to date, particularly for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Varicella (chickenpox).
Your GP will also take a comprehensive family history, review any current medications, and perform cervical screening if it’s due. They’ll also talk with you about your lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, and other factors to ensure nothing is interfering with your chances of conceiving and to support a healthy pregnancy journey.
Prioritise a Pre-Pregnancy Lifestyle Check
Preparing for pregnancy is the perfect time to build healthy habits that support both your fertility and your future baby’s well-being. Aim for regular exercise, adequate rest, and a balanced diet to give your body the best foundation.
Avoid harmful substances such as smoking, recreational drugs, and alcohol, as these can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Schedule a dental check-up, since oral health issues have been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Finally, don’t overlook your mental health. High stress levels can sometimes impact fertility. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, talk to your doctor or a trusted health professional for support and strategies to help you manage stress.
Start Your Folic Acid & Prenatal Routine
A healthy pregnancy begins well before conception. Focus on a nutrient-rich, balanced diet filled with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support your body’s needs.
Ideally, start taking a prenatal supplement at least three months before trying to conceive. Look for one that includes Folic acid, iron, vitamins C, A, E, and B, as well as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine, key nutrients that help support early fetal development.
To give your body the best environment for a healthy pregnancy, limit caffeine to one cup a day and stay well-hydrated with plenty of water.
Review Your Health Insurance & Financials
Planning for parenthood goes beyond health. Getting your finances in order now will reduce stress later.
- Check your Health Insurance: Review your policy entitlements to ensure you are covered for maternity and paediatric care, especially if you plan on using the private system.
- Understand Parental Leave: Knowing what parental leave you and your partner are entitled to (from work and government programs like paid parental leave or family tax benefits) will help with financial planning.
Track Your Cycle: Find Your Fertile Window
It’s crucial to understand your menstrual cycle and pinpoint the few days each month when conception is possible. Tracking this information helps you ensure you are ‘trying’ at the optimal time to conceive.
- Practical Tracking Methods: Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your temperature will rise slightly (0.4-1.0 °C) after you ovulate. Tracking this over time helps confirm when ovulation happened in past cycles.
- Cervical Mucus: Pay attention to changes in discharge.1 An increase in clear, slick, and stretchy mucus (often described as “egg-white consistency”) typically signals that ovulation is imminent and you are in your most fertile phase.2
- Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These over-the-counter kits test urine for the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge, which happens 24-48 hours before ovulation.3
- Physical Signs: Some women may experience a slight twinge or pain in the lower abdomen, known as Mittelschmerz (German for “middle pain”), or notice subtle changes in their saliva due to a rise in estrogen a few days prior to ovulation.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Attend a FREE Parents You’ve Got This Preparing for Pregnancy Masterclass to have all your questions answered by a leading dietitian, fertility, and IVF Expert. www.parentsyouvegotthis.com.au/preparingforpregnancy
GOOD LUCK!
