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What I recommend checking before trying for a baby
If you’re thinking about trying for a baby this year, this is where I would start.
Not with a new supplement.
Not with an ovulation tracker.
With bloodwork.
Preconception planning is not about assuming everything is fine. It is about checking.
You do not need dozens of tests, but there are a few markers that can provide useful insight into your nutritional status and hormonal environment before pregnancy.
Here is the simple preconception blood checklist I commonly use in practice.
Ferritin (Iron Stores) and Haemoglobin
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient issues in women of reproductive age.
Low ferritin before pregnancy can increase the likelihood of:
• fatigue during pregnancy
• postpartum depletion
• higher iron requirements later in pregnancy
It is important to understand that haemoglobin can still appear normal while iron stores are low.
Ferritin reflects your stored iron levels, which are what your body draws on throughout pregnancy.
Before conception, the goal is to have iron stores that are stable and comfortable rather than borderline.
Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D)
Vitamin D plays a role in several systems that are relevant to reproductive health, including:
• immune regulation
• the implantation environment
• hormone signalling
Despite Australia’s sunny climate, vitamin D deficiency is still relatively common, particularly during winter or among people who spend much of their time indoors.
The good news is that vitamin D is simple to test and relatively straightforward to correct if levels are low.
Thyroid Panel
Thyroid health plays an important role in fertility and early pregnancy.
At a minimum, a basic thyroid panel should include:
• TSH
• Free T4
• Free T3
In some cases, testing thyroid antibodies may also be appropriate.
Thyroid function influences several aspects of reproductive health including:
• ovulation
• cycle regularity
• early pregnancy stability
• energy levels
Even mildly suboptimal thyroid markers can influence how you feel and sometimes how your cycle behaves.
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Vitamin B12 and folate are involved in several key processes including:
• DNA synthesis
• methylation pathways
• red blood cell production
Most women are aware that folate is important during pregnancy and many begin supplementation early.
However, very few women actually check their levels.
If you are already supplementing, testing can help confirm that your current intake is providing adequate support rather than relying on guesswork.
Iodine
Iodine plays a critical role in thyroid hormone production.
Thyroid hormones are essential for fetal brain development during pregnancy.
Routine iodine testing is not always necessary, but assessing dietary intake can be important.
This is particularly relevant for women who avoid iodine rich foods such as dairy, seafood or iodised salt.
HbA1c or Fasting Glucose (When Relevant)
For some women, additional metabolic markers may also be useful.
Testing HbA1c or fasting glucose can provide helpful context if there is:
• a history of irregular cycles
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• insulin resistance
• family history of diabetes
Stable blood sugar regulation supports:
• ovulation
• hormonal balance
• early pregnancy health
Building a Preconception Plan
Once bloodwork is complete, nutritional support can be tailored accordingly.
For example:
Low ferritin
Add IronBiotic to support iron stores.
Low vitamin D
Add Sol Drops to support vitamin D levels.
Planning pregnancy regardless of lab results
Use EverNatal as your foundational prenatal supplement.
Low dietary DHA intake
Add NeuroNatal DHA to support omega 3 intake.
Preconception planning does not need to be complicated. Starting with a few targeted blood tests can provide valuable information and help guide nutritional support before pregnancy begins.
