Preparing for pregnancy:.............

Your chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy and baby are better if you and your partner are as fit and healthy as possible. What you eat, how much you exercise, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol are all important factors to look at once you have decided to try for a baby. If you are concerned about your sexual health you can have checks to make sure all is well.


Before you get pregnant:................

Before you try for a baby there are some things to consider that can help improve your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy. If you are planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor, nurse or midwife – they will be able to advise you on pre-pregnancy and pregnancy health care.


Medical conditions:...............
Talk to your doctor about how your pregnancy might be affected if: you have any medical condition, such as diabetes or epilepsy you have a history of heart or circulatory problems, such as high blood pressure or thrombosis you or your partner have any hereditary conditions in the family, such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy you have gynaecological problems, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or previous ectopic pregnancy(when the fertilised egg implants outside the womb, often in the fallopian tube).
Your doctor can also talk to you about genetic counselling if you or your partner have an
inherited condition.


Disabilities:...................

If you or your partner have disabilities which may make it harder for you to get pregnant,
you may need specialist help, and your doctor will be able to refer you to a specialist.
If you have a disability and you become pregnant, it is important that you speak to your doctor as soon as possible. If you are being seen by a consultant for your disability you may require specialist advice. You can also request that your maternity care is carried out at the same hospital where your consultant is based. Ask your doctor about this.


Medicines and drugs:...............

If you take medicines for any reason tell your doctor that you are planning to get pregnant, as some drugs may affect the developing baby. Don’t stop any medication you are taking for a medical condition until you talk with your doctor, as this may affect your health.

If you buy any medicines from the pharmacy, always check with the pharmacist to see if these are safe to take while trying for a baby or when pregnant. Avoid any treatment which is not essential. You should also check that any herbal or alternative remedies or complementary therapies are safe to use during pregnancy, or while trying to get pregnant. Ask your doctor, nurse, midwife or pharmacist.

Recreational (illegal) drugs, also known as street drugs, can affect the developing baby. Avoid taking them when you are trying to get pregnant or once you are pregnant. Your partner should avoid using them too as they can harm sperm.

Sexual health:....................

If either you or your partner think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, or be at
risk of getting an infection, you can get confidential advice and help from a genitourinary
medicine (GUM) clinic or your general practice. Some sexually transmitted infections can affect your chances of getting pregnant, and if not treated they can be passed on to your baby during pregnancy or birth.

You may be offered a cervical screening test if you have not had one in the last five years.

If you or your partner has a sexual problem, a counsellor who is specially trained in this
area may be able to help you. Talk to your doctor, nurse or midwife, or contact Relate (see Where to go for more help and advice).

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