Preconception counseling is a check-up before trying to get pregnant. A gynecologist reviews your health, medicines and family history, recommends folic acid, checks immunity to infections such as rubella and hepatitis B, and may order blood tests, a Pap smear and a pelvic ultrasound. Ideally it is done about three months before trying.
- Best timing
- About 3 months before trying
- Supplement
- Folic acid daily
- Blood tests
- Blood count, immunity, thyroid
- Imaging
- Pelvic ultrasound if useful
- Partner
- Can attend together
- Visit length
- About 30–60 minutes
What is preconception counseling?
Preconception care means preparing your body and health before pregnancy. Many important steps in a baby's development happen in the first weeks, often before a pregnancy is confirmed, so planning ahead lets you correct problems early — for example starting folic acid, updating vaccines or adjusting medicines.
It is useful for anyone planning a pregnancy, and especially for women with a medical condition, previous pregnancy complications or miscarriages, or those aged 35 and over.
What is covered at the visit
- Medical history — chronic conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or epilepsy, and previous pregnancies.
- Medicines and supplements — some need to be changed before conception; never stop prescribed medicine without advice.
- Folic acid — usually 400 micrograms daily, started before conception; a higher dose is advised for some women.
- Vaccines — rubella (MMR), chickenpox and hepatitis B should be up to date; live vaccines need a gap of about one month before conceiving.
- Lifestyle — smoking, alcohol, caffeine, weight, exercise and work exposures.
- Cervical screening — a Pap smear if you are due.
- Cycle and timing — how to recognize your fertile window; see irregular periods if your cycle is unpredictable.
Common preconception tests
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Detects anemia before pregnancy |
| Blood type and antibodies | Plans for Rh-negative blood type |
| Rubella and chickenpox immunity | Vaccinate before pregnancy if not immune |
| Hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis | Screening for infections that affect pregnancy |
| Thyroid function | Thyroid problems can affect fertility and pregnancy |
| Blood sugar | Screens for diabetes when relevant |
| Pelvic ultrasound | Looks for fibroids, polyps or ovarian cysts |
| Ovarian reserve (AMH) | Optional; gives an idea of egg supply, not fertility itself |
Not everyone needs every test; your doctor will recommend what is useful for you.
- Unsure which vitamins or tests you need
- Medicines that may need review
- Unknown immunity to rubella or hepatitis B
- Questions about timing and fertility
- Folic acid started before conception
- Medicines reviewed with your doctor
- Vaccines updated before trying
- A written checklist in English
Your visit at Yoonho, step by step
- Book or walk in Contact us by WhatsApp or KakaoTalk; partners are welcome to attend.
- Consultation in English Your doctor reviews your health, medicines and plans. Bring vaccine records and previous test results if you have them.
- Examination and ultrasound A pelvic exam and transvaginal ultrasound are done when helpful, usually on the same day.
- Blood tests Most results are ready within a few days.
- Personal plan You receive a written checklist and English report, with advice on when to seek further fertility assessment.
For logistics such as costs and what to bring, see fertility and preconception check-up in Seoul.
When to seek fertility help
- Under 35: after 12 months of regular unprotected sex without pregnancy
- 35 and over: after 6 months
- Over 40, very irregular or absent periods, known endometriosis or previous pelvic surgery: seek advice sooner
- Two or more miscarriages
A partner's semen analysis is part of a basic fertility assessment; men should see a urologist, as Yoonho is a women's hospital.
Cost and insurance
Costs depend on which blood tests and imaging you choose; consultations are generally around ₩50,000–100,000. This is a general guide, and a written estimate is given after consultation. Some preconception tests are not covered by National Health Insurance — see health insurance for foreigners. English documents are available on request.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
How long before trying should I have a preconception visit?
About three months before is ideal, so there is time to start folic acid, complete vaccines and adjust medicines. Coming later is still worthwhile.
Can I get the MMR vaccine in Korea before pregnancy?
Yes. If you are not immune to rubella, the vaccine can be arranged. Avoid becoming pregnant for about one month after a live vaccine.
Should my partner come too?
Partners are welcome. Their health, family history and lifestyle matter, and a semen analysis through a urologist may be advised if pregnancy does not happen.
Is an AMH test a fertility test?
AMH gives an estimate of the remaining egg supply, but it does not predict whether you can get pregnant naturally. It is most useful when interpreted with your age and plans.
What should I do once I have a positive pregnancy test?
Keep taking folic acid and book an early visit to confirm the pregnancy with ultrasound, usually from around 6 weeks. Our prenatal care guide for expats explains the next steps in Seoul.
OB-GYN Specialist · Director of OB-GYN
M.D., Ewha Womans University College of Medicine · Former Clinical Instructor, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital · Member, Korean Society of Menopause
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.