Preparation is everything

We recommend you meet one of our specialists for a Well Woman check before you get pregnant. Our Origins obstetrician will help you optimise your pre-pregnancy health for the best possible outcome.

Origins Well Woman check

A well woman check with one of our Origins specialists will involve a discussion around you and your partner's history and health. We may suggest:
Blood tests
Cervical smear
Pelvic ultrasound scan
Male fertility testing
Folic acid and iodine prescriptions
Lifestyle changes

Optimising your health

Understand the odds
Most couples have a 15% to 20% chance of conceiving in any given cycle. Of couples who are fertile, statistics show that around 50% will have conceived by three months, 75% by six months and 90% by 12 months.

In general, you should consult a fertility specialist if you have not conceived within one year of trying.
Know your cycle
The most fertile period in a woman's cycle is the three to four days leading up to ovulation. So knowing when you ovulate is the key to success.

You can become familiar with your cycle by keeping a basal body temperature (BBT) graph. Using a digital thermometer, take your body temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Make a note of the reading or plot it on a graph. A noticeable temperature shift (upwards) signals ovulation. If your periods are regular, ovulation will occur around the same time every cycle.

The days of your cycle are numbered from the first day of your period. If you notice that ovulation occurs on or around day 14, days 10 to 13 are your most fertile.
Eat well and consider appropriate supplements
Good nutrition is important for any woman who wants to get pregnant. Not only are you preparing your body for the big job it has to do, you're giving your baby the best possible start. Folate and iodine supplements are recommended from the time you're trying to conceive onwards. Zero alcohol is best.

- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. At least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit each day
- Choose wholemeal or wholegrain breads and cereals whenever possible
- Try to ensure that the fats you eat are good fats. Use products made with olive, avocado oil and flaxseed oil
- Get into the habit of consuming at least three servings of milk or milk products each day - preferably reduced or low fat
- Eat at least two servings of protein a day - lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs or legumes
- Take folic acid tablets (0.8mg) every day. Folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of your baby being affected by spina bifida
- Multivitamins recommended for pregnant women are an option to ensure you're getting adequate nutrition
- Avoid high risk foods for listeria and toxoplasmosis, infections that can cause pregnancy complications. These include raw meat, chilled cooked meat, prepared salads, unpasteurised milk and cheeses, raw seafood and paté
- If you are fond of herbal remedies, be aware that some herbs should be avoided. Talk to your naturopath or herbalist about your pregnancy plans.
- When buying medicines over the counter, ask the pharmacist for advice. Some medicines are not suitable for women who are planning to get pregnant.
- Avoid high doses of vitamin A as this can cause birth defects
Lifestyle
Now's a good time to move to a healthier life. Even though you're not pregnant yet, you need to start thinking about sharing your body with someone else. Regular exercise and adequate sleep is important. Zero alcohol, nicotine and other recreational substances is best.

- Aim to exercise most days for 30 minutes or more. Alternate cardio work (power walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics) with muscle training (weights, yoga, pilates)
- Reduce your alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking
- If you smoke, give it up. Smoking is associated with reduced fertility, increased pregnancy complications and low birth weight babies
Have a dental check
There are two very good reasons to visit a dentist before you get pregnant:

1. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can aggravate problems with your gums and teeth
2. Once you're pregnant, some treatment procedures may not be possible

Get in touch

Our friendly team is always here to chat.

Email

Our team is here to help.
hello@originswomen.co.nz

Phone

Mon-Fri from 8am to 5pm.
09 630 8270

Clinic

Come say hello at our clinic.
443A Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland