Pre-Pregnancy Check-Up in London

When you plan to conceive soon, it is important to have a pre-pregnancy examination before trying to get pregnant. This helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth for your baby. At Gynaecology Clinic, we provide comprehensive pre-pregnancy assessments to confirm that your body is ready for this exciting journey.

Different medical conditions and lifestyle habits can have an impact on fertility and pregnancy. Our private gynaecologist in London will help detect and manage any health concerns — even those you might not have noticed — to reduce possible complications for you and your baby during pregnancy and delivery.

When Should You Have a Pre-Pregnancy Check-Up?

You can schedule a pre-pregnancy assessment any time before you start trying to conceive.
Ideally, it’s best to have the check-up 3–12 months before conception, as this gives time to optimise your health, complete any vaccinations, and make any lifestyle adjustments.

This visit is not about confirming pregnancy — it focuses on assessing your health and readiness before conception.
If you believe you might already be pregnant, your doctor may recommend an early pregnancy test or ultrasound, which is a different type of appointment.

What Does a Pre-Pregnancy Check-Up Involve?

Health and Lifestyle Assessment

Pre-pregnancy counselling can begin several months before you plan to conceive. During your appointment, your doctor will discuss several key areas, including:

Gynaecological History:

Your menstrual cycle, history of pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cervical screening (Pap smears), and previous contraception use.

Obstetric History:

If you have been pregnant before, your doctor will review previous pregnancies, any complications, or birth outcomes.

Medical Record:

The doctor will review existing health conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune conditions and may refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Vaccination Record:

Bring your immunisation history if available. Immunity to rubella and chickenpox (varicella) will be checked, as infections during early pregnancy can cause complications.

Medications and Allergies:

Prepare a complete list of medications and supplements you are currently taking. Your doctor will review whether these are safe for conception and pregnancy.

Physical and Gynaecological Examination

Your gynaecologist may perform several assessments, which can include:

Physical Examination:

Measurement of your height, weight, and blood pressure to assess your general health and body mass index (BMI).

Cervical Screening (Pap Smear):

This will be offered if you are due for your routine NHS cervical screening. It helps detect precancerous changes and HPV infection.

Abdominal, Breast, and Vaginal Examination:

These may be carried out to identify any irregularities, such as lumps, fibroids, or pelvic tenderness that could affect fertility or pregnancy.

Vaginal Swab:

If you have symptoms such as discharge, itching, or burning, a swab test may be taken to check for infections like thrush, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis.

Pelvic Ultrasound Scan:

A pelvic scan may be done to assess the health of your uterus, ovaries, and endometrium, helping to rule out conditions such as ovarian cysts or fibroids that can affect conception.

Blood Tests

At Gynaecology Clinic, we perform comprehensive blood testing to assess your general health and identify any potential risks before conception. These tests help ensure that both you and your future baby start pregnancy in the best possible health.

Our pre-pregnancy panel includes:

• Full Blood Count (FBC): Checks for anaemia, infection, or other blood-related conditions.
• Blood Group and Rh Type: Determines your blood type and Rh factor, which are important for pregnancy planning.
• Atypical Antibody Screen: Detects any abnormal antibodies that could affect your pregnancy.
• Haemoglobin Electrophoresis: Screens for inherited blood disorders such as thalassaemia or sickle cell disease.
• Thyroid Function Tests (Free T4 and TSH): Identifies underactive or overactive thyroid conditions that can impact fertility or pregnancy.
• Glucose: Evaluates blood sugar levels to detect diabetes or prediabetes.
• Rubella Antibody (IgG): Checks for immunity to German measles, which can cause complications in pregnancy.
• Varicella Zoster Antibody (IgG): Determines immunity to chickenpox.
• Toxoplasma Antibodies (IgG and IgM): Detects current or past infection that could affect pregnancy.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies (IgG and IgM): Screens for exposure or recent infection.
• Syphilis IgG/IgM: Identifies active or past infection that requires treatment before pregnancy.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Antibodies: Screens for viral infections that could affect you or your baby.
• HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies: Detects HIV infection to ensure appropriate care and minimise transmission risk.

Note: Routine blood testing for herpes is not recommended in the UK unless you or your partner have symptoms.

If any results show abnormalities, your doctor will discuss them with you and arrange follow-up care or treatment where needed. You will receive your results by phone or email, and a follow-up consultation can be arranged if necessary.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Difference between Pre-Pregnancy and Early Pregnancy Appointments

Book Your Pre-Pregnancy Check-Up

If you’re planning to conceive, book your pre-pregnancy consultation at Gynaecology Clinic today. Our experienced gynaecologists will help ensure your body is prepared for pregnancy, giving you peace of mind before you start your journey.

Call 020 7183 0435 or book an appointment online.

Related Pages:

EARLY PREGNANCY

WELL WOMAN

RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE TESTING