Planning a pregnancy? We're excited for you.
To support you on this journey, we've put together key information to help make the experience as smooth and positive as possible.
Women who are healthier at conception have a better of chance of becoming pregnant, having a safe pregnancy and birth, recover well after birth, and give birth to a healthy baby.
Taking sufficient amounts of folic acid starting at least three months before conception reduces the risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida and others). Please start taking an over the counter prenatal vitamin containing at least 400mcg of folic acid and 10 IU of Vitamin D3 months or more before trying to conceive.
If any of these conditions apply to you, you will need a higher dose of folic acid (5mg), please ask your GP for a prescription:
Smoking reduces fertility and increases the risk of miscarriages and preterm birth. Find out how you can get help with stopping to smoke.
Alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy can be harmful for the development of the baby. Find out how you can get help to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink/any illicit drug use before getting pregnancy.
Find out about the NHS free weight loss programme.
If you have any chronic health conditions such as an underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism) or Diabetes and/or if you are using prescription medications please book an appointment with your GP to see if adjustments to your medications need to be made before conception and during pregnancy.
Approximately one in five women experience mental health issues in pregnancy and the first year after giving birth.
If you're experiencing mental health challenges before, during, or within the first year after pregnancy, support is available.
If your smear test (cervical screening) is due, book an appointment with your GP or you can book a cervical screening at our Women's and Girl's Health Hub to have this done before your pregnancy.