Blood tests every woman should have before getting pregnant

Before getting pregnant it’s important to understand your overall health which can identify any key areas that require extra support in preparation for conception. Ascertaining your baseline and flagging any problem areas now, will give you the chance for a healthy conception and most importantly a healthy baby.

Bloods to request from your doctor 

• Full blood count (FBC)

• e/LFTs

• thyroid tests: TSH, free T4, free T3 and thyroid antibodies

• iron studies

• plasma zinc

• CRP & ESR

• serum copper

• vitamin D

• spot urinary iodine test

• DHEA

• prolactin

• hormone tests: FSH, LH, Oestrogen andProgesterone. NOTE! VERY IMPORTANT with the hormone tests these must be done on day 21 of your cycle if you have a 28 cycle otherwise if your cycle is shorter or longer do it 7 days before your expected period.

If your doctor doesn't feel comfortable ordering all the requested tests then you can pay for some of the tests out of pocket if you wish. What most of my patients do is see their doctor first and what tests their doctor doesn't want to request I'll request for them.