Latest Pregnancy Research · Weekly Evidence Breakdowns · Follow @expectingmumsaustralia ·
Latest Pregnancy Research · Weekly Evidence Breakdowns · Follow @expectingmumsaustralia ·
Ferritin before pregnancy: why your iron stores matter
Ferritin is your iron store, not the iron in use, and pregnancy draws it down hard. Here is what a normal ferritin looks like before you conceive, and how long a low one takes to fix.
Vaccinations before pregnancy: which ones, and when
Vaccination is the preconception item with a deadline attached. Here is which vaccines to check before you start trying, what the 28-day wait is actually based on, and which ones are saved for pregnancy.
Preconception blood tests: what to ask your GP for
Most of the bloods you would be offered at your first antenatal visit can be done before you conceive. Here is the full list, plus the one test you have to ask for by name.
Reproductive genetic carrier screening
Since November 2023, Medicare has funded reproductive genetic carrier screening for three conditions. Here is what it tests for, what it actually costs, and why a clear family history does not rule you out.
Folate and iodine before pregnancy: how much, and when to start
The two supplements with the strongest evidence before pregnancy are folic acid and iodine. Here is the dose, the timing and the two groups who need something different.
The evidence-backed preconception checklist
The evidence-based checklist for the three months before you start trying: which supplements to start, which tests to ask your GP for and why vaccination timing matters.
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Hi, I’m Bella
I have a Masters of Clinical Epidemiology and a background in biomedical science, and I started Expecting Mums Australia for one reason: to build a community of women who believe research belongs in every conversation.
There is a lot of noise out there for women navigating preconception, pregnancy and postpartum. I sift through high-quality studies and current guidelines, then tell you plainly what the evidence says, what it does not and what that means for you.