Before you concieve
Preconception refers to the time from when you decide to have a baby to when you become pregnant.
It is important to take good care of yourself during this period. Being healthy will reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and help to ensure the best possible health for your baby.
There are lots of things you should do before trying to conceive – ask your GP for advice and a preconception health check.
Diet and exercise: Take regular exercise and eat a nutritious, balanced diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetable, carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread and pasta, and lean meat, fish and pulses for protein. Make sure you get plenty of foods which are rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables, bread and cereals. You can also buy supplements over the counter at pharmacies - check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist about the correct dose for you. Folic acid can help to prevent certain birth defects.
Weight: Being over or underweight can make it harder to get pregnant and can make complications during pregnancy more likely. Try to get as close as possible to the ideal weight for your height and build before getting pregnant. You can find lots of help and advice on reaching and maintaining a healthy weight on the Healthy Weight section of this website
Alcohol, smoking and drugs: Alcohol, smoking and illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can all affect your fertility and increase the risk of premature births, low birth weight and miscarriage. It is also a good idea for the father to reduce the amount he drinks and smokes. Click on the links to find out more or ask your GP for advice.
Vaccinations: Make sure you are up to date with vaccinations such as rubella (the virus that causes German measles), varicella (which causes chickenpox and shingles) and, if you are at risk, hepatitis B. These infections can damage your baby if caught during pregnancy.
Checks and tests: You should also ensure that you are up to date with your cervical smear tests and check that you do not have any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Infections such as Chlamydia may not show any symptoms but can cause infertility if left untreated.
Long term conditions: If you have any long term or chronic conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, make sure they are controlled as effectively as possible. If you are taking any regular medication, herbal remedies or over the counter medicines, discuss them with your GP or pharmacist. Don’t stop taking any prescription medication unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
Screening: If you or your partner have a family history of an inherited genetic condition, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia, ask to be referred for screening. Your GP should also offer you screening for blood conditions.
You’ll find much more information and advice on preconception healthcare on the preconception care section on the NHS Choices website.
If you have a positive pregnancy test, see your midwife or GP as soon as possible.
Preconception Care Project for Women from Ethnic Minorities
Foleshill Women's Training is running a Preconception Care Project for ethnic minority women aged 18-45 who live in Coventry. Funded by the Department of Health it provides free advice on nutrition and healthy eating, dangers of smoking (including passive smoking),risks associated with alcohol and drug use, sexually transmitted infections and how to stay healthy for any future pregnancies.
Drop-in sessions are held at the Valley House every Thursday from 1.30-3.00pm. The team also runs outreach sessions at the Sky Blue Medical Centre and various community venues.
For further information, call 024 7663 7693, email manjet.kenht@fwt.org.uk or visit the FWT website
- Department of Health
The Government body that is responsible for delivering the highest quality of health and social care within England. - GP
GP stands for General Practitioner. GPs are family doctors.