Get ready for pregnancy
There is a clear link between a mother’s health before pregnancy and her baby’s health.
We know that healthy women have fewer complications in pregnancy.
They are also more likely to have healthy babies who grow into healthy children.
Partners also have a role to play by staying healthy.
We're here to support you if you're thinking about having a baby and want to help your fertility.
Take folic acid
It is recommended that as soon as you start trying for a baby, you should take a folic acid supplement.
If you can, try and take folic acid:
- at least 3 months before you fall pregnant
- during the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.
This will help your baby's brain and spine develop normally and reduce the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
You will usually take 400 micrograms a day.
Your doctor may advise you take a higher dose of folic acid if you have a higher chance of having a baby with a problem with the brain or spine.
Your chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect may be higher if you (or the baby's biological father):
- have previously had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect
- have a neural tube defect
- have a family history of neural tube defects
- have diabetes
- have a raised BMI
- have sickle cell disease
- are taking certain epilepsy medicines
- are taking antiretroviral medicines for HIV.
Folic acid and breastfeeding
It is okay to take folic acid while you are breastfeeding.
Folic acid is a normal part of breast milk.
When taken as a supplement it passes into breast milk in amounts that are too small to harm your baby.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should also consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement.
Speak to your local pharmacist or GP for the best time to start.
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is the most important thing you and your partner can do to give your baby the best start in life.
It reduces the risk of impotence and infertility in men. Men who smoke can suffer from reduced quality sperm and erection difficulties.
Visit our smoking in pregnancy page to find out how we can help you.
Eat healthily
Eating a healthy diet is important if you are planning a pregnancy.
To increase your chances of conceiving naturally and having a healthy and simple pregnancy, you should aim for a healthy weight.
Your baby relies on you to provide the right balance of nutrients to help them grow and develop (even after they’re born).
BumpClub
Bump Club Medway is a 6-week programme for pregnant women
Find out more about BumpClub.
Reduce alcohol intake
Cutting out or reducing alcohol can help your fertility.
Alcohol can damage sperm production, so men should cut down on drinking too.
Find out more about alcohol and your health.
Keep active
If you're not used to exercising, or haven’t done any for a while, now is a good time to start.
Try starting off with 10 minutes of daily activity.
You can then build up to 150 minutes of weekly exercise.
When you’re ready, try these easy to follow walking routes in Medway.