The second is the use of pre-conceptual folate or folic acid at a dose of 500 mcg daily. This dose is present in all reputable pregnancy vitamins. Folic acid is given before pregnancy and in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy to reduce the risk of Spina Bifida or Open Neural Tube defect.
The third discussion before you get pregnant is what tests would you and your partner like to do to see which autosomal recessive genes you carry. The VCGS (Victorian Clinical Genetic Service) has been running a service looking at Cystic Fibrosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Fragile X Syndrome which are the three most common recessive genes in Australia. However, over the recent year extended autosomal recessive genes are available from three companies. These look at between 280 and 300 recessive genes. If a couple performs this extended screen there is a 70% chance you will be told you carry a recessive gene and an approximate 6% chance you carry a gene that crosses over with your partner. This requires further discussion with your practitioner.