Before you get Pregnant
Getting ready to have a baby is a big step. Before having a baby, it’s good to plan and prepare to make sure you are as healthy as possible. This helps you and your baby stay healthy during and after pregnancy.
Here are some steps to help you get ready:
See your GP Doctor:
They will check your health and give you advice to help you have a healthy baby.
Take Folic Acid & Vitamin D:
Take Folic Acid and Vitamin D. These vitamins are good for your baby’s health. It’s important to take a 400-microgram folic acid tablet every day before you’re pregnant (or as soon as you find out) and until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
You might need to take a higher dose of Folic Acid 500-microgram each day if you have certain health problems like diabetes or a high BMI or if you take special medicines like anti-epilepsy medicine. If you think you need this higher dose talk to your GP doctor. They can help you get it.
You need 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day and should consider taking a supplement containing this. We usually get Vitamin D from the sun. But when you’re pregnant, you might need more to help your baby’s bones grow strong. If you have diabetes, have a high BMI, or wear clothes that cover most of your body like a hijab, it’s extra important to take this supplement.
Vitamins and supplements in pregnancy
Eat Healthy:
A healthy diet is important at any time but is very important if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken and fish will help you to be healthy and your baby to grow and develop.
Exercise:
Exercise is good for you before and during pregnancy. It helps you stay healthy and feel better. Speak to your GP doctor about safe exercises.
Keep a healthy Weight:
If you are overweight, it might be hard to get pregnant. Being overweight (BMI over 25), or obese (BMI over 30), can cause some problems during pregnancy. These problems can include high blood pressure, blood clots, miscarriage, and diabetes during pregnancy.
To stay at a healthy weight, eat different healthy foods and exercise regularly. This is good for you and your baby.
Weight management in pregnancy
Caffeine and Alcohol:
Drinking less caffeine and no alcohol is important when trying to get pregnant. Too much caffeine or alcohol can make it harder to get pregnant and can harm your baby.
Smoke Free:
If you are a smoker and planning to have a baby, the best thing you can do is stop before trying to get pregnant. Quitting smoking will improve your chances of getting pregnant. Every day you are smoke free lowers your risk of miscarriage, premature birth, ectopic pregnancy and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Preconception and Pregnancy – Smokefreelife Somerset (healthysomerset.co.uk)
NHS Choices Stop Smoking in pregnancy.
Relax:
Stress can make it harder to get pregnant. Find ways to relax during your day like reading, music or deep breathing.
Medicines:
If you take medicine, speak to your GP doctor. Some medicines are not safe when trying for a baby.
Do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your GP doctor first.
Existing Health Conditions:
If you have a health condition like epilepsy or diabetes it is likely that you already have specialist team that care for you and your health. Talking to them or your GP Doctor before getting pregnant can help you to prepare and have the information you need to get pregnant safely. It might also change some choices about your pregnancy, like where you want to have your baby.
If you take medicine for your health condition, don’t stop without talking to your doctor first.