What blood tests should I get if I am trying to get pregnant?

Written By Katelyn Gray

If you have been trying for a few months, a few years or are just getting ready to start trying — blood tests is always my starting point. Blood testing gives us that little extra insight into the areas of the body that might need some TLC. Blood tests can be confusing, what tests to order if you’re trying to get pregnant? I am here to help.

If you have had blood testing and have been told that “everything is normal” and been sent on your merry way then firstly, frustrating, secondly how wonderful! If nothing has been flagged by your GP then this simply means that you don’t need emergency intervention, you don’t need medication and you don’t need to see a specialist. Great news! Although, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your body is functioning optimally and this is what I am looking for. I look at blood tests with a magnifying glass to search for any indication that your body isn’t functioning as best it can and then look to see how we can support you on your road to conception. For example, we know that vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for egg quality and it needs to be optimal prior to conceiving. Your blood test range will typically indicate that any level >50 is sufficient whereas I see levels >100 is there true optimal levels lie. So whilst your blood tests might be “normal” they may not be optimal.

Now onto the nitty gritty. I’ve broken down my recommendations into sections to make it a little easier to follow:

The Basics:

  • Full blood count

  • Liver and kidney function

  • Biochemistry

  • Thyroid stimulating hormone

  • Fasting glucose

  • HbA1c

  • Cholesterol Panel

  • Active vitamin B12

  • Serum vitamin B12

  • Folate

  • Vitamin D

  • Iron studies

The Hormones:

Here is where it gets a bit tricky depending on where you are in your cycle and what hormones you are checking. Typically speaking, most hormones would be best done about 7 days before your first day of bleeding.

  • Oestrogen

  • Progesterone

  • Testosterone

  • DHEAs

  • Prolactin

The Nice-to-haves:

Tests which might be a bit trickier to get through your GP but are lovely to see:

  • Zinc

  • Copper

  • Homocysteine

  • T4

  • T3

Already got your results? Awesome! I would love to get my eyeballs on them. Book your initial appointment and lets get this ball rolling!

Katelyn Gray