test for Rubella antibodies before TTC?

I didn't. I went to my doc and asked what I needed to do beforehand, but she was useless. She said I didn't need to do anything. I even had to ask specifically for a folic acid script. I have had rubella, however.

I could it done in a set of bloods... demand what you want

I got it done, simple blood test and one less thing to worry about.

I had it tested at the 1yr mark TTC when I got a whole lot of bloods done to check my hormones etc
I would go to your GP say your TTC get a script for folic and ask for a BT to check

My doc said mine was a lil low, but not too worry too much about it and get it checked again in a year or so,maybe a should go and get the jab anyway?!

I went to the Dr before TTC too and was just told to take folic acid. Wasn't till after I was pregnant that I had the blood test, which showed I was still immune anyway, phew!

Nikfras wrote: thanks T_Rex I have been to the doc too and I asked her about checking my antibodies and she said its not really an issue and not to worry about it. But since that I have read some things that have made me think I should have had it done. My doctor seemed pretty blase about the whole thing also.

Hi Nikfras,

I'm a bit of a lurker, but have an answer to your query so thought I'd post :-)

Your doctor *should* have told you about pregnancy bloods - this is a standard set of blood tests done (from one blood test appointment) before you TTC.
From memory, it includes checks for Blood type, Rhesus anti bodies, Thyroid function, red/white blood cell count, immunity to Rubella, and HIV.
There were probably other things but that's just off the top of my head :-)

Maybe try another doc, explain that you're about to TTC, and would like the pre-pregnancy bloods done. They *should* know what you're referring to.

Good luck!

Just on the folic acid - if you are going to the dr, ask them for a script for it - that way you get the 800mg and it's heaps cheaper!

Gosh it seems like there is a huge dived between what GP's check on!! I can't believe it really.

When I asked my doc about the test for rubella she said nah you get tested when you come for your first bloods when you are actually UTD.

Pretty poor really Im going to book another doc and ask them to do it.

Thanks for all your advice, Oh also have been taking folic acid for a few weeks now so all good in that department.

Yep i got tested, knew about it beforehand and decided to do it, that way if i needed the jab i had to wait another couple of months and would have rather that then come into contact with someone who had rubella and risk harm to the baby..

I didn't however ask for it, but when i went to my docs and said we were going to ttc what do i need to do he gave me a folic acid script and said i needed to go get bloods done which will test iron, rubella etc etc. if he hadn't said anything i would have mentioned it.