Planning for pregnancy tool
If you are planning a pregnancy this tool will tell you all you need to know about how to improve your health and the health of your future pregnancy and child:Ìý
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
If you are thinking about getting pregnant it is important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes stopping smoking, cutting out alcohol and being a healthy weight.
Talk to your GP if you have any health concerns, have a long term health condition or need support.
Take folic acid every day
Folic acid reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such asÌý.
Every day you should take a 400 microgram supplement of folic acid if you’re planning to get pregnant and every day until you’re 12 weeks pregnant.
Genetic tests
Screening, diagnostic and genetic counselling services are offered to couples who have a family history or personal history of genetic illness, or a previously affected pregnancy.
The risk of fetal abnormality is assessed and couples are informed about the choices available to them and offered psychological support.
This includes screening for chromosome abnormalities, fetal anomalies, haemoglobinopathies, Tay Sachs disease, Cystic Fibrosis and Muscular Dystrophy.
Help with getting pregnant
Please make an appointment to see your GP if you are not pregnant after a year of trying. Your GP can check for commonÌýÌýand suggest treatments that could help.
See and fertility (reproductive medicine) for more information and advice.
Tokophobia support
Does the thought of being pregnant feel overwhelming? You’re not alone. Severe fears around pregnancy and birth—known as tokophobia—can make decisions about having a baby really hard.
This video from shares support and resources if you’re not pregnant but are struggling with these fears. Watch now and take the first step toward understanding and help. Video:
Useful links
More information and support can be found on the NHS website.
Finding out you are pregnant
It’s important that you contact usÌýas soon as you know you are pregnant.ÌýWe aim for your first appointment with a midwife to be when you are around 8 weeks pregnant.
Please register with us byÌýcreating aÌýMy Pregnancy NotesÌýaccount.Ìý
You can also find more information on the