Getting ready for pregnancy starts with understanding your health. Blood tests can identify risks, guide necessary lifestyle changes, and ensure a safer pregnancy journey for you and your baby. Here are the five key tests you should consider before trying to conceive:

• Complete blood count (CBC) & blood type: Detects anaemia, infections, and Rh factor compatibility issues.
• Genetic carrier screening: Checks for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease.
• Blood glucose tests: Monitors blood sugar levels to prevent gestational diabetes.
• Thyroid function tests: Ensures hormonal balance for pregnancy and foetal development.
• Infectious disease screening: Identifies conditions like HIV, hepatitis, and rubella immunity.

These tests can reveal potential health concerns early, helping you and your healthcare provider plan effectively. Schedule them at least 3–12 months before conception for optimal preparation. Always consult your doctor to interpret results and decide on next steps, including any necessary treatments or lifestyle adjustments.

5 critical blood tests for future parents

These five tests provide key insights into your health before pregnancy. Each one addresses important factors to help ensure a safe and healthy start to your journey into parenthood.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and blood type

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks your blood cell levels, helping to identify issues like anaemia, infections, or other conditions that could complicate pregnancy.

This test also determines your blood type and Rh factor, which is critical for identifying potential Rh incompatibility. For example, if you're Rh-negative and your partner is Rh-positive, your baby might inherit the positive Rh factor.

This mismatch could cause your immune system to attack the baby's red blood cells. Fortunately, early detection allows for medical interventions that can prevent complications.

2. Carrier screening for genetic conditions

Carrier screening helps identify if you or your partner carry genes for inherited conditions that could affect your child. Studies show that more than half of people screened discover they carry at least one genetic condition.

Being a carrier doesn’t mean you have the condition, but if both parents carry the same altered gene, there’s a 25% chance the child could inherit it. Expanded carrier screening panels can test for hundreds of conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, spinal muscular atrophy, and thalassaemias.

If both partners are carriers for the same condition, options include natural conception with an understanding of risks, IVF with genetic testing, using donor eggs or sperm, adoption, or choosing not to have children. Knowing your carrier status is a crucial step in understanding potential risks for your future family.

‍Wondering what the signs of gestational diabetes are and how to spot them early? Learn more in what are the symptoms of gestational diabetes to help you better prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Blood glucose tests and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Blood glucose tests, like fasting glucose and HbA1c, provide snapshots of your sugar levels. For a more detailed view, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) tracks glucose responses to diet, exercise, and stress in real time. This approach can reveal patterns that traditional tests might miss.

Even for non-diabetic individuals planning a pregnancy, CGM can be incredibly useful. Programs like Vively offer CGM tools paired with nutrition coaching to help optimise metabolic health before conception. Once your glucose levels are under control, it’s time to check your thyroid function.

4. Thyroid function and hormonal health

Thyroid function tests, such as TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and Free T4, are vital because thyroid hormones play a major role in maintaining pregnancy and supporting foetal development.

Hypothyroidism affects about 2% of people in iodine-sufficient areas, while subclinical hypothyroidism impacts 4% to 10% of the population. During pregnancy, thyroid disorders like thyrotoxicosis can also occur, though they are less common. Identifying and treating these conditions early can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Women with hypothyroidism may need to increase their medication doses by 30% to 60% during the first trimester. Addressing thyroid health early can help ensure a smoother pregnancy.

5. Infectious disease screening

Screening for infectious diseases protects both you and your baby by identifying conditions that could be passed on during pregnancy or delivery. Tests for HIV, hepatitis B/C, syphilis, and rubella immunity are especially important.

For example, hepatitis B can be transmitted during delivery, but vaccination and treatment can prevent this. Similarly, managed HIV treatment significantly lowers the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Untreated syphilis may result in birth defects or pregnancy complications, while rubella infection during pregnancy can cause severe issues like heart defects, hearing loss, or developmental delays. If you’re not immune to rubella, getting vaccinated before pregnancy is recommended (with a one-month waiting period before trying to conceive).

Depending on your specific risks, healthcare providers may also recommend screening for other infections, such as toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus (CMV), to further safeguard your pregnancy outcomes.

‍Curious about how gestational diabetes might show up during pregnancy? Our guide on gestational diabetes symptoms breaks it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

Understanding your blood test results

Getting your blood test results during the pre-pregnancy stage can feel overwhelming with all the numbers and medical jargon. However, these results are a powerful tool for improving your health before pregnancy.

They help identify potential concerns early, safeguarding both your well-being and your future baby's health.

Your blood test results are confidential and provide a personalised guide for preparing your body for pregnancy.

Working with healthcare providers

The key to making sense of your blood test results lies in working closely with your healthcare provider.

Your provider will walk you through each result, explaining what it means for your specific situation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—research shows that patients often want more clarity about their results, especially regarding lifestyle changes and next steps.

It’s also helpful to understand the distinction between screening and diagnostic tests. Screening tests assess your risk for certain conditions but don’t confirm their presence. For example, a positive screening result signals a higher-than-average risk, not a definitive diagnosis.

If any results are abnormal, such as indicators of Rh incompatibility or infection, your provider may recommend further testing or specific interventions. Follow-up testing is often suggested to confirm or monitor these findings.

Staying informed empowers you to make decisions that align with your health goals while addressing any issues identified in the tests.

Once you have a clear understanding of your results, you can take actionable steps to support your pre-pregnancy health.

Making lifestyle changes and follow-up testing

Understanding your results is just the first step—acting on them is where real change happens. These insights can guide lifestyle adjustments to better prepare your body for pregnancy.

For instance, if your blood sugar levels are elevated, your provider may suggest dietary changes, more physical activity, or even continuous glucose monitoring to track how your body responds to different foods and habits. Together, you can develop a tailored plan that focuses on goals like eating a balanced diet, staying active, or addressing any deficiencies found in your blood work.

Some results may require immediate action. For example, if you lack immunity to rubella, your provider might recommend getting vaccinated before conceiving. Testing positive for a sexually transmitted infection would call for prompt treatment, followed by retesting to ensure the issue is resolved.

Your provider will also decide when repeat testing is necessary, based on your initial results and any changes you’ve made. Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team and be ready to adjust your plan as needed.

It’s important to remember that abnormal results don’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy. Instead, they provide valuable information that helps you and your healthcare team take proactive steps.

Many conditions identified through pre-pregnancy blood tests can be managed effectively with medical care and lifestyle changes. By fully understanding your results, you gain the tools to take charge of your reproductive health and prepare for the journey ahead.

Wondering why healthy hormones are so important and how to support them? Check out why we need healthy hormones and what to do about it for practical tips to balance your hormones and improve well‑being.

How to schedule and prepare for tests

Once you have your test results, the next step is to organise your testing schedule and understand the associated costs.

This planning ensures a smoother preconception process. Scheduling your pre-pregnancy blood tests early with your healthcare provider helps guarantee accurate results and sets the foundation for your pre-pregnancy health.

Timing and Coordination for Both Partners

It’s a good idea to schedule your preconception checkup up to a year before trying to conceive. This allows enough time to address any concerns from your test results and make necessary lifestyle adjustments or undergo treatments.

Ideally, book your appointment with the provider you plan to see during pregnancy for continuity. If they’re unavailable, your primary care physician or gynecologist can handle these tests.

Both partners should coordinate their testing since some screenings are necessary for each individual. For example, carrier screening is essential for both partners to evaluate genetic risks. 

Discussing your test results together helps in making informed family planning decisions. Based on your family health history, your provider may also suggest genetic counselling, so consider allowing extra time for these consultations.

Some tests might require follow-ups or repeat screenings. For instance, if there’s a risk of Rh incompatibility, you may need additional blood group and antibody tests during pregnancy.

Proper preparation is key for accurate test results. Many blood tests require fasting for 8–12 hours and are best done in the morning to minimise the discomfort of fasting. Tests like blood sugar and cholesterol checks often have these requirements. Be sure to ask your doctor which tests you’ll undergo and what preparation is needed.

If you’re unsure about fasting instructions, confirm the details with your doctor the day before your test. Follow the fasting guidelines carefully - this means no gum, smoking, or exercise, and only drinking water. If you accidentally break your fast, let the lab staff know.

Insurance coverage and costs in the AU

Getting blood tests before pregnancy is one of the most important investments you can make in your future family’s health. The good news is that in Australia, many of these essential tests are either fully or partially covered by Medicare, making them accessible for most prospective parents.

Medicare coverage for pre-pregnancy tests

Medicare covers a range of blood tests commonly recommended before conception, including:

• Full blood count
• Thyroid function (TSH)
• Vitamin D and iron levels
• Rubella immunity
• STI screening (e.g. HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis)

These tests are typically ordered by your GP and are bulk-billed at many clinics, meaning you won’t need to pay anything out-of-pocket. However, this depends on the practice—some GPs may charge a gap fee of AUD 40–80 for a standard consultation.

Private testing and extra panels

If you opt to go beyond the standard set of tests or prefer faster results through private pathology services, costs can vary. For example:

• A comprehensive hormone panel, including progesterone, LH, FSH, and AMH, may cost between AUD 50–150.
• Private vitamin and mineral panels (e.g. B12, folate, zinc) can cost AUD 80–120 if not specifically covered by Medicare.

Providers like iMedical and Everlab offer online ordering and flexible appointment times, but they are not bulk-billed.

Fertility assessments and additional services

In some cases, your GP may refer you or your partner for more advanced fertility assessments (e.g. semen analysis or reproductive hormone testing). These may be partially covered under Medicare depending on your symptoms, history, and referral pathway. Out-of-pocket costs for specialist appointments or extra fertility testing can range from AUD 100–300 per session.

Summary of common costs

Whether it’s your first time planning a pregnancy or you're just looking for peace of mind, blood tests provide clarity on your health status and help identify issues early. Most of the recommended pre-conception blood tests are widely accessible through your GP under Medicare, which means you can take proactive steps without breaking the bank.

If you want deeper insight into your metabolic health or hormone balance before pregnancy, platforms like Vively can complement your check-up by helping you understand how your lifestyle impacts energy, nutrition, and fertility readiness.

How Vively can support your pre-pregnancy health journey

Getting ready for pregnancy is more than a one-off check-up—it’s about understanding how your daily choices affect your long-term health and fertility. Vively offers real-time insights into your metabolic health, helping you make confident decisions before conception.

With Vively, you can:

• Track your glucose patterns to see how your body responds to meals, stress, and movement—useful for lowering the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Understand your Metabolic Health Score, giving you a clear picture of how your habits are supporting hormone balance and energy.
• Get personalised feedback and meal scores to fine-tune your diet for optimal metabolic function and fertility support.
• See your progress in one place, making it easier to notice what’s working and what needs adjusting.

For future parents, supporting your metabolic health now can positively influence your pregnancy journey later. Vively helps you build healthier habits that support both conception and long-term well-being.

Taking control of your pre-pregnancy health

Your test results are more than just numbers—they’re a roadmap to help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Blood tests like CBC, carrier screening, glucose monitoring, thyroid checks, and infectious disease screening give you a clear picture of your preconception health.

These tests can reveal everything from your blood’s ability to carry oxygen to potential genetic risks. If you have diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can provide real-time data to help you manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Your results aren’t just informative—they’re actionable. For instance, if carrier screening shows genetic risks, you might consider genetic counselling. Elevated blood sugar levels could signal the need for dietary changes and more physical activity. Adjustments to medications may also be necessary based on your specific results.

These insights are your first step toward making informed health decisions.

Next steps for future parents

Once you have your results, review them with your healthcare provider and start making changes right away. Experts emphasise that early lifestyle adjustments can better prepare your body for pregnancy.

Here are some essential steps to get started:

• Take daily vitamins with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Eat a balanced diet full of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy.
• Exercise regularly—aim for 30 minutes of physical activity, five days a week.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques and prioritise quality sleep.

If you have chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, work closely with your doctor to stabilise them before conception. Review all medications, herbs, and supplements to ensure they are safe for pregnancy. Also, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, especially for rubella and chickenpox.

For those managing high blood sugar or diabetes, advanced CGM tools can provide helpful real-time feedback, making it easier to adjust your diet and lifestyle.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial; losing even 5% to 10% of your body weight can improve your overall health and boost your chances of conception if you’re overweight.

Finally, take steps to minimise exposure to harmful substances. Check your home and workplace for potential toxins, test your water for contaminants, wash produce thoroughly, and avoid certain plastics and processed foods.