A Pre-Pregnancy Health Check is a structured consultation designed to prepare you for pregnancy before you start trying to conceive. It reviews your medical history, current medications, cycle patterns and lifestyle factors, and produces a personalised plan covering what investigations are recommended and what changes, if any, are worth making before conception.
Most of what affects the early weeks of pregnancy is already in place before a woman knows she is pregnant. A pre-pregnancy review with Dr Anastasia Mermigka at AristoGP gives you the information and guidance to go into pregnancy in the best possible position. The appointment is 45 minutes, requires no referral, and is priced at £200.
What the Appointment Covers
- Medical and obstetric history: Any pre-existing conditions, previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or pregnancy complications are reviewed. Conditions that require monitoring or medication adjustment before and during pregnancy are identified.
- Current medications: Some medications are contraindicated in pregnancy or require dose changes before conception. Dr Mermigka reviews your current prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter medications and advises on any changes needed.
- Cycle assessment: Your cycle length, regularity, and any symptoms of ovulatory dysfunction are reviewed. If your cycles are irregular, this is the right time to investigate rather than after you have been trying for several months.
- Lifestyle and nutrition: Folic acid supplementation, iodine, vitamin D, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, weight, and exercise are all discussed in the context of your individual circumstances and any conditions you have.
- Personalised blood test plan: Dr Mermigka produces a written list of which investigations are recommended for you specifically, based on your history and examination findings. Dr Mermigka requests the tests from our laboratory, The Doctors Laboratory (TDL), and you have your blood taken at TDL Patient Reception, 76 Wimpole Street, W1 (walk-in, Monday to Saturday).
What You Leave With
- A written summary of the consultation findings and any conditions or factors relevant to your pregnancy planning
- A personalised blood test plan specifying which investigations are recommended and why
- Clear advice on folic acid, supplements, and any medication changes needed before conception
- A clear timeline recommendation for when to start trying to conceive, based on your individual circumstances
Optional Blood Tests
Commonly recommended pre-conception tests include:
- Full blood count: Identifies anaemia or other haematological conditions before they are complicated by pregnancy.
- Blood group and rhesus status: Important to know in advance, particularly for rhesus-negative women.
- Thyroid function (TSH): Thyroid disorders are common in women of reproductive age and can affect fertility and early pregnancy. Optimising thyroid function before conception is recommended.
- Folate and vitamin D: Baseline levels inform supplementation advice.
Samples are processed by TDL with most results available within 24 to 72 hours. The results come back to Dr Mermigka. We recommend a follow-up appointment with Dr Mermigka to go through the results together. If anything needs prompt attention, she will contact you directly.
Who Is This Appointment For?
- Women planning to conceive in the next 3 to 12 months who want to prepare properly
- Women with a pre-existing condition such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions where pregnancy planning requires additional care
- Women on medication who want to know whether it is safe to continue during pregnancy
- Women with a history of miscarriage who want to review contributing factors before trying again
- Women over 35 who want a baseline assessment before starting to try
About Dr Anastasia Mermigka
Dr Mermigka is a female consultant gynaecologist with specialist expertise in reproductive medicine and preventative women health. She holds full GMC registration and sees patients at AristoGP, 1-5 Portpool Lane, London EC1N 7UU, near Chancery Lane.
Pricing and Booking
Pre-Pregnancy Health Check — £200
45-minute consultation covering medical history, medications, cycles, lifestyle and a personalised blood test plan. Written summary provided. No referral needed.
If a pelvic ultrasound is indicated, this can be added on the day (total £300).
Select A1 — F2F Gynaecology Consultation (45 min) when booking.
Book Pre-Pregnancy Check — £200Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for a pre-pregnancy health check?
No. You can book directly at AristoGP. Select A1 when booking online.
How soon before trying to conceive should I have this appointment?
Ideally 3 to 6 months before you plan to start trying. This allows time to address any blood test findings, adjust medications if needed, and start folic acid supplementation at the right dose for your circumstances.
I am already on folic acid. Do I still need this appointment?
Folic acid is an important first step, but a pre-pregnancy check covers much more: medication safety, cycle assessment, thyroid function, and any condition-specific advice. Starting folic acid does not replace a structured pre-conception review, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
Can my partner attend the appointment?
Yes. Partners are welcome to attend. While the clinical assessment focuses on the woman planning to carry the pregnancy, discussing plans and receiving information together is often helpful.
What if a problem is found at the appointment?
If the consultation or blood tests identify something that needs attention before conception, Dr Mermigka will advise on next steps. This might include a referral to a relevant specialist, medication review with your GP, or further investigation. The aim is to identify and address any issues before rather than during pregnancy.
What happens after the assessment?
After your assessment, the doctor will explain the findings and guide you on the most appropriate next steps. Depending on what is found, this may include monitoring, further tests, a prescription, treatment we can offer at the clinic, or referral to another specialist or service. Not every condition can be treated at AristoGP, and an appointment does not guarantee a particular treatment or prescription.