Pre-conception care

Planning your pregnancy

A baby’s first twelve weeks of life in the uterus, or womb, are in many ways the most crucial.

During this first trimester all the baby’s essential organs are being formed and, by three months, most are beginning to work. However, many women do not even suspect they are pregnant until they miss a period or have other pregnancy symptoms, so they are unlikely to have their first antenatal appointment much before they are eight or nine weeks pregnant – and often later than that.

If the pregnancy is planned, there are easy measures every couple can take which will reduce risks to a baby even before conception takes place. These measures are called pre-conceptual care.

We know that some factors can often prevent babies growing properly in the uterus and that some of these factors can be avoided (e.g. contraception, poor diet, smoking, vaping, drugs, drinking, pollutants, sexually transmitted diseases) because there is no way of telling in advance which babies are likely to be at risk it makes sense for all prospective parents to try to avoid risks within their control.

Six months ahead of conception is not too soon to start thinking about your health, but certainly try to consider your pre-conceptual care at least three months before you hope to get pregnant.

If you plan to have a baby there are simple steps you can take towards helping your baby, even before you try to conceive. Pre-conceptual care means giving you and baby the best start on your pregnancy journey.

If you are planning to get pregnant, the NHS recommends that you make the following changes:

take 400mcgs Folic Acid*
stop or cut down on smoking
eat a healthy balanced diet - this improves fertility as well as affecting your baby's future health
stop or drink less alcohol
stay physically active
stop using any illegal substances
cut down on caffeine, if you drink a lot
aim to achieve a healthy weight for your height (a healthy BMI).

It is also important to check that you:

have had a cervical screening test in the last three years
have had the MMR vaccine, to ensure you are protected against rubella
don't take any new medication, or stop taking existing medication, without talking to your GP or healthcare professional
do not have any sexually transmitted infections.

*if you are diabetic, epileptic or have a family history of neural tube defects such as spina bifida or a BMI over 30, please see your GP, as a higher dose of 5mgs may be recommended.