NHS Lanarkshire is promoting a range of key messages to men and women on pre conception health, which emphasises the importance of good health prior to becoming pregnant.

Preconception health is the mental and physical health and wellbeing of men and women during their reproductive years, before and between pregnancies.

Ashley Goodfellow, public health specialist for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “All men and women can benefit from good preconception health, whether or not they plan to have a baby now, or in the future.

“Good preconception health is important for increasing your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

“What many people don’t realise is that it is just as important for men to be healthy too. Things such as alcohol, smoking and obesity all affect male fertility and if a male is healthy it supports his partner to be healthy too.”

With almost half of pregnancies being unplanned it is important to be aware of the benefits of preparing for pregnancy and what to do if you become pregnant unexpectedly.
NHS Lanarkshire’s key messages for preconception health are:

• Men & women should practice safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.
• Positive mental health and wellbeing is important for both you and your baby
• Eating well and achieving a healthy weight is important for fertility (in both men and women) and healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes.
• Women who are planning pregnancy or who may become pregnant, should take a daily folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms at least one a month prior to pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks after you conceive.
• If you are planning a pregnancy or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all, to keep the risks to your baby to a minimum.
• Men and women who are planning pregnancy or who may become pregnant should stop smoking as this can be harmful to you, your unborn baby and those around you.
• No illegal drugs are safe for use in pregnancy or when planning pregnancy
• Being in a healthy and happy relationship before pregnancy is best for you and any children you may have.
• If you are planning pregnancy or may become pregnant you should check if you are protected against rubella.

Ashley added: “We aim to get these messages out to as many people as we can to ensure that people, who are perhaps planning a pregnancy or may become pregnant, are fully informed about the importance of preconception health and are equipped to make informed choices for themselves and their baby.”