Health Before Pregnancy
(Preconception Health)What you need to know
Men and women need to be healthy before they become pregnant.
This is called preconception health.
Unhealthy people can still get pregnant.
Being healthy improves your chances of becoming pregnant and reduces the risk of things going wrong.
Almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned.
Waiting until you are pregnant to improve your health can be too late.
Especially if you don’t know you are pregnant for the first few weeks.
What does this mean for you?
If you are not ready to be a parent, practice safer sex.
You choose if and when the time is right to have a baby.
It helps to have positive relationships, with family or friends and having people who can offer you help and support.
If you are planning to get pregnant
Don’t drink alcohol as it can harm your baby.
No alcohol no risk.
Stop Smoking.
Smoking is harmful to you and your unborn baby and the people around you.
Take a folic acid vitamin supplement every day.
Keep active such as walking or swimming.
Try to keep a healthy body weight.
Eat a healthy diet.
STOP taking illegal drugs is harmful to you and your unborn baby.
CHECK you have had the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) injection.
If not sure ask your GP
Talk to your GP about any medication you are taking such as tablets or liquids.
As some could harm your baby.
Your Feedback – comments, concerns and complaints
NHS Lanarkshire is committed to improving the service it provides to patients and their families. We therefore want to hear from you about your experience. If you would like to tell us about this please visit our feedback page.
