Preconception Care

You are planning a pregnancy? We are delighted for you. To help you make this journey as joyful and smooth as possible we have compiled important information for you.

Women who are healthier at conception have a better of chance of becoming pregnant, having a safe and healthy pregnancy, birth and post-birth recovery and giving birth to a healthy baby.

Smoking

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

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.

Weight

Being overweight or obese can reduce fertility and increase the risk for problems during pregnancy and birth such as developing miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and having a difficult birth. If your BMI is over 25 (if you are not sure what your BMI is, you can get this measured in our waiting area at Market Street Sexual Health Centre during our opening hours without needing an appointment).

Find out about the NHS free weight loss programme.

Vitamins

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 D three 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:

  •  Either you or your partner has a neural tube defect, you have had a previous pregnancy affected by an neural tube defect or you have a family history of a neural tube defect 
  • You are taking anti–epileptic medication.
  • You have diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia
  • Your BMI is 30 or more

Chronic health conditions

If you have any chronic health conditions such as an underactive thyroid 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.

Smear test

If your smear test (cervical screening) is due, book an appointment with your GP or cervical screening to have this done before your pregnancy.

Mental health

About 1:5 women experience mental health issues in pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. If you need support for any mental health issues before, during or the first year after pregnancy.

Periods (your time of the month)

Understanding your cycle and knowing on which are the fertile days of your cycle can improve your chances of conception. Learn more about cycle charting and continue to check this page to join our online fertility awareness training.