Planning on getting pregnant?
If you've decided that you're ready to start a family, this is an exciting time for you. Having a baby is one of the most life-changing events you'll experience, and there's a lot to think about. Finances, work, relationships, what to buy, when to decorate the nursery... However, you won't go wrong if you put your health at the top of that list.
Now is the time to ensure you're in the best possible health. You'll improve your chances of conceiving, of having a healthy pregnancy, and you'll give your baby (or babies!) the best possible start.
Around 1 in 3 women get pregnant within a month of trying, so it's best to be prepared for pregnancy before you stop contraception.
We are working with Maternity:MK to highlight all the best, most reliable advice and information that's out there for anyone who is planning to get pregnant, or who could possibly become pregnant.
So that you can feel empowered and in control during your pregnancy, here are some of the main health issues to think about:
- Drugs, alcohol and trying to conceive.
- Tips for a healthy pre-pregnancy diet.
- The benefits of being active.
- Being underweight when trying to conceive.
- Being overweight when trying to conceive.
- How smoking may affect you and your partner if you're trying to conceive.
- Benefits of folic acid before pregnancy.
- Caffeine and getting pregnant.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Tommy's charity: information on planning your pregnancy
Tommy's is a pregnancy charity that exists to support, care for and champion people, no matter where they may be on their pregnancy journey. They work to make the UK the safest place in the world to give birth, supported by people who refuse to accept that a baby's death is just 'one of those things'.
Visit the Tommy's 'Are you ready to conceive?' information hub
Tommy's also have a dedicated, free 1:1 support service for Black and Black-Mixed Heritage women. You can book a video call in with a midwife to discuss your situation, and any concerns or worries you may have.
This new service provides extra care for Black and Black Mixed Heritage people in the UK. Black women experience higher risks of complications during pregnancy, which is why Tommy's are offering extra support.
Downloads
This Tommy's leaflet looks at the 8 top things to think about when planning a pregnancy. You might find this useful as you think about starting a family.
Looking after your heart if you want to get pregnant
If you have a heart condition and want to get pregnant, you should get specialist advice before trying to conceive. The British Heart Foundation have put together some information for women about the key things to think about.
Diabetes and pregnancy
Find out more about being pregnant with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and what to do if you develop gestational diabetes.
Other professionals you may meet who help you care for your baby and manage life as a parent.
Midwife
A midwife looks after you during pregnancy, birth, and afterwards. They will help you plan the birth of your baby. They provide care in hospital or at home, or in the community. After the birth of your baby, you will both be cared for by midwives and maternity support workers. This is usually for 10 days after the birth of your baby.
Health visitor
Health visitors are trained nurses and midwives. They provide advice and support for your baby’s health and development until their 5th birthday. You may meet your health visitor before the birth of your baby or shortly after the birth. Health Visitors are based in the community and some visits may be at home.
Obstetrician
A doctor who supports in the care of complicated pregnancies and births.
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapy supports people whose physical or mental health, environment or social circumstances make it difficult to take part in the activities that matter to them. An occupational therapist will work with you to identify strengths and difficulties you may have in everyday life.
Social worker
Social workers help to protect vulnerable children and adults from harm or abuse, and support people to live independently.
Nursery nurse
Nursery nurses and nursery assistants look after pre-school age children in NHS hospitals.
What we're doing to help women in Milton Keynes who are thinking of having a baby
Preconception survey
If you're planning a pregnancy, have you thought about where to get reliable advice about preconception health? What advice or support services would be useful to you? If you've had children, how did you look after your health? We're running a survey to ask about your experiences and suggestions.
Preconception 'well woman' event
We'll be running a 'well woman' preconception event in September. You can register your interest in advance.
Image: Laura Margarita Cedeño Peralta, Unsplash
