Planning for pregnancy
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/planning-for-your-pregnancy-c4e740.jpg)
Planning for your pregnancy
If you are thinking about pregnancy, visit your doctor for a preconception consult to provide you with expert advice on planning your pregnancy.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/folate-and-pregnancy-ec3a09.jpg)
Folate and pregnancy
Folate (folic acid) supplements are important for pregnancy as they can help prevent birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida...
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/d3gtxd_woman-vaccinations-d935ca.jpg)
Vaccinations and pregnancy
Vaccination is especially important before and during pregnancy. Read on to learn why, as well as information on side effects and costs.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/genetic-counselling-79f412.jpg)
Genetic counselling
Genetic counselling can be helpful for some people when planning or during pregnancy. Find out about genetic counselling and what to expect.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/screening-for-carrier-status-a9c27a.jpg)
Genetic carrier screening
Screening for carrier status is a blood test to see if you carry genes that are linked to certain health conditions. Learn more about this test here.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/ovulation-signs-calendar-90d58f.jpg)
Ovulation and fertility
Knowing when you ovulate and having sex at the right time is important when you are trying to fall pregnant. Kits can help you predict ovulation.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/ehka0r_d5d24d96-12e6-4e46-8843-cbaae7f111ef-ca8b0f.jpg)
Fertility awareness (natural family planning)
Fertility awareness is learning to identify which days of the month you are fertile. It can be used as a form of contraception or to become pregnant.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/medicare-during-pregnancy-e23e83.jpg)
Medicare during pregnancy
Medicare is a health insurance scheme funded by the Australian government. Find out what is covered by Medicare during pregnancy and after your baby i...
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/private-health-insurance-and-pregnancy-ff4a65.jpg)
Private health insurance and pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy and might want to access private healthcare, it’s important to understand your private health insurance policy.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/public-vs-private-care-during-pregnancy-9e9866.jpg)
Public versus private care during pregnancy
When having a baby, you may want to decide between public and private care for the birth. Find out more about the care providers and cost.