Preconception Health Checklist | Get Baby-Ready Safely

Trying for a baby starts well before a positive test. The right prep makes conception smoother and early pregnancy safer. This preconception health checklist lays out the steps, tests, and timelines that most providers recommend, with practical actions you can start today. You’ll see where a quick win matters (like daily folic acid), what to schedule (vaccines, dental, chronic-condition tune-ups), and how both partners can pitch in.

Preconception Health Checklist: Quick Overview

Here’s a high-level snapshot you can skim first, then dive deeper into each item below. Bring this to your visit and tick items off as you go.

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Item	Why It Matters	Target Or Action
Folic Acid / Prenatal	Reduces neural tube defects; covers early needs	Start 400–800 mcg folic acid daily at least 1 month before trying
Vaccination Review	Prevents infections that can harm pregnancy	Confirm MMR & varicella immunity; stay current on flu & Tdap
STI Screening	Untreated infections can affect fertility and outcomes	Screen per risk (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B/C)
Thyroid & Metabolic Labs	Uncontrolled thyroid issues or diabetes raise risks	TSH in range; A1C optimized if at risk or previously elevated
Rubella/Varicella Immunity	Infection in early pregnancy can cause birth defects	Check titers; vaccinate if non-immune, then wait per vaccine guidance
Iron Status	Low iron can worsen fatigue and anemia	CBC ± ferritin; correct deficiency before conception
Medication Review	Some drugs and supplements aren’t pregnancy-safe	Switch to safer alternatives; set a plan with your prescriber
Genetic Screening	Identifies carrier risks for inherited conditions	Offer carrier screening to one or both partners
Dental Check	Gum disease links to adverse outcomes	Cleaning and treatment before pregnancy

Core Steps Both Partners Can Start Now

Daily Prenatal And Folic Acid

Begin a quality prenatal vitamin that includes 400–800 mcg folic acid. This supports early neural tube formation, which happens before many people realize they’re pregnant. If you’ve had a prior neural tube defect-affected pregnancy or take medicines that alter folate metabolism, your clinician may advise a higher dose. Take it with water at the same time daily for consistency.

Vaccines And Immunity Check

Ask your provider to review vaccine records and antibody titers for rubella and varicella. If your records are missing or you’re non-immune, you can be vaccinated before conception. In-season flu shots and Tdap (during each pregnancy, usually in the third trimester) protect you and the newborn via passive antibodies.

Medication And Supplement Audit

List everything you take—prescriptions, over-the-counter items, herbs, and powders. Some acne drugs, blood pressure meds, mood stabilizers, or migraine therapies need swaps. Don’t stop long-term meds on your own; instead, book a review to craft a safe plan that still treats your condition well.

Screen For Infections

Untreated STIs can reduce fertility or complicate pregnancy. Screening is quick and often covered. Complete treatment fully and retest when recommended before trying to conceive.

Manage Chronic Conditions

If you live with diabetes, thyroid disease, hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, or autoimmune disease, aim for stable control now. Tighten glucose targets, verify TSH is in range for conception, and confirm your action plans (e.g., rescue inhalers, seizure plans) are clear.

Preconception Health Checklists And Timing

This section stacks the preconception health checklists by topic and points to when each task usually fits. Use the timelines table below for quick planning.

Cycle Literacy And Timing Sex

Track cycle length, mid-cycle cervical mucus changes, or use ovulation predictor kits. Time sex in the two days before and the day of ovulation. If cycles are irregular, start a log now and bring it to your visit.

Nutrition, Weight, And Movement

• Balanced plate: build meals around vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, dairy or fortified alternatives, and lean proteins.
• Weight target: if you plan to adjust, do it before conception with steady, sustainable changes.
• Movement: moderate activity most days supports metabolic health and mood. Add strength work twice a week if cleared.

Alcohol, Tobacco, And Other Substances

Alcohol and tobacco undermine fertility and early fetal development. Set a quit date, use evidence-based supports, and loop in your clinician for medication options if needed. Avoid illicit substances and review any “natural” products for safety and interactions.

Caffeine And Energy Drinks

Moderate intake is fine for most people; set a personal cap and avoid energy shots loaded with stimulants. If you’re sensitive, taper gradually to reduce headaches.

Environmental And Workplace Exposures

Check for solvents, heavy metals, radiation, or high-heat tasks at work. At home, store chemicals safely, ventilate when painting, and review hobby exposures (e.g., lead in glazes, certain pesticides). Wear protective gear and discuss testing if exposure is likely.

Sleep And Stress Basics

Regular sleep supports hormone balance. Short, daily stress-management rituals—walks, breath work, stretching, or faith-based practices—help keep cortisol swings in check. If anxiety or low mood is persistent, ask for help now rather than later.

Use Preconception Health Checklist With Your Provider

Bring a printed list of meds, allergies, surgeries, and family history for both sides. Ask about anything you’re unsure of: genetic screening, travel plans, immunizations, or medical device safety. If fertility is a concern, agree on a “when to escalate” date so you’re not stuck waiting.

Fertility Benchmarks For When To Ask More

• <35 years: try for 12 months, then seek evaluation.
• 35–39 years: try for 6 months, then check in.
• ≥40 years or known factors: talk before trying or early on.

What A Lab Plan Might Include

Plans vary, but a typical workup can cover blood type and Rh factor, complete blood count, ferritin if anemia is suspected, thyroid function, A1C if indicated, and STI screening. If immunizations are uncertain, antibody testing helps target vaccines.

Genetic Screening Options

Carrier screening can be targeted (based on ancestry or history) or expanded (a broad panel). If one partner screens positive, the other can be tested. A genetic counselor helps interpret results and discuss options.

Preconception Health Checklist For Women And Men

Actions For The Person Who Will Carry

• Start a prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
• Update vaccines and confirm immunity before conceiving.
• Review medications and switch to pregnancy-safer regimens as needed.
• Schedule dental cleaning and address gum issues.
• Build a simple movement routine and fine-tune nutrition.
• Track cycles; note pain, bleeding patterns, and any symptoms.

Actions For The Partner

• Book a checkup if it’s been a while; share a medication and substance review.
• Cut tobacco and limit alcohol; avoid anabolic steroids and heated laptop laps.
• Protect against workplace toxins and high heat that can affect sperm quality.
• Join the plan: diet tweaks, walks, and sleep routines work better together.

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Timeline Planner By Months Before Conception

When	Do This	Notes
6–12 Months Out	Annual checkup, dental visit, begin activity plan, reduce alcohol/tobacco	Set a quit strategy and supports; map out insurance coverage
3–6 Months Out	Start prenatal with folic acid; order labs; review meds & vaccines	Schedule immunity checks; correct iron or thyroid issues now
0–3 Months Out	Cycle tracking; time sex; review travel; finalize genetic screening	Discuss Zika or other travel advisories if relevant
Pre-Ovulation Cycle	Use ovulation kits if helpful; keep sex every 1–2 days in fertile window	Stay on prenatal; keep caffeine moderate
When To Seek Help	Follow age-based benchmarks; sooner with irregular cycles or known factors	Bring your logs; ask about semen analysis and ovarian reserve testing

Safety Notes And Special Cases

Higher-Dose Folic Acid Situations

If you’ve had a prior neural tube defect-affected pregnancy, take certain anti-seizure medicines, or have conditions that affect absorption, your clinician may advise a higher folic acid dose before conception. This is individualized; don’t adjust without guidance.

Managing Medical Therapies

Blood thinners, immunotherapies, antidepressants, and acne medications each come with specific choices. The goal is stable health on pregnancy-compatible options. Set up a shared plan among your primary care, OB/GYN, and any specialists.

Travel And Infectious Risks

If you plan international travel, check destination-specific vaccine guidance and mosquito-borne illness advisories. Some live vaccines are given before conception with a short waiting period afterward; your provider will time these with you.

How To Use This Preconception Health Checklist Day To Day

1. Print It: keep a copy on your fridge or notes app.
2. Book Visits: one primary care or OB/GYN visit now; dental within the next 3 months.
3. Start The Prenatal: set a repeat reminder on your phone.
4. Make Swaps: if any meds need changes, schedule reviews.
5. Track: log cycles, symptoms, and any lab or vaccine dates.
6. Check In: if you hit a benchmark without success, call sooner rather than later.

Trusted Guidance You Can Bring To Your Visit

Two widely cited sources back much of the plan above. The ACOG pre-pregnancy counseling guidance covers lab checks, vaccines, and risk review. The USPSTF folic acid recommendation outlines the daily 400–800 mcg dose to start before conception. You can also scan the CDC’s concise list for planning steps and talking points during your visit.

Bottom Line For A Smooth Start

A clear plan beats guesswork. Start your prenatal now, line up vaccines and labs, steady any chronic conditions, and use the timelines to space out tasks. With this preconception health checklist in hand, you’ll walk into your appointment prepared—and walk out with a plan you can follow with confidence.