Thinking about having a baby?
Thinking about having a baby?
If you’re thinking about getting
pregnant, there are some things
you can do to give yourself and
your baby the best start.
Top tips
Start taking supplements like folic acid and vitamin D to help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Try to take folic acid daily 3 months before you get pregnant and vitamin D as soon as you start actively trying for a baby.
Limit your caffeine intake by aiming for less than 200 milligrams per day – that’s around two cups of instant coffee. Find out your daily caffeine intake using Tommy’s calculator.
Get up to date with your MMR vaccinations before getting pregnant to protect your unborn baby from rubella.
Get checked for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before pregnancy. Many STIs have no symptoms but can affect your pregnancy or baby. Free, confidential testing is available from your GP or sexual health clinic.
If you smoke, get help to stop. People who get support are more likely to quit. You can get support at a NHS stop smoking service.
Aim for a healthy weight, be active, and try to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg every day.
If you or your partner have a family history of genetic conditions (like sickle cell or thalassaemia), ask your GP about screening before pregnancy.
Managing long-term conditions
If you have diabetes or another long-term condition such as epilepsy, speak to your GP and or medical team before trying for a baby. Getting your condition well managed before pregnancy reduces risk for you and your baby.
If you’re managing your mental health or emotional wellbeing talk to your GP before you try to conceive. They can check if your medication is safe for pregnancy and help you plan the best care.
Your partner's health
Partner’s health matters too! Encourage your partner to stop smoking, limit alcohol, eat well, and get support for any health conditions.
More information
For more information on pre-conception health visit:
Local support
Mental health support during and after pregnancy:
- Mindful Mums – wellbeing support groups for parents during and after pregnancy in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham.
- The Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark perinatal mental health service – specialist assessment, treatment, support and advice for women who have current or previous severe mental health problems.
- The Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich perinatal mental health service – specialist assessment, treatment, support and advice for women who have current or previous severe mental health problems.
Hospital-based clinics for managing diabetes during and after pregnancy:
- Advice and support from King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Advice and support from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Sickle cell support during and after pregnancy:
Support for other conditions:
If you have a long-term medical condition you take regular medication for, such as:
- high blood pressure
- epilepsy
- heart disease
- kidney disease
It is important that these conditions are well-controlled before you become pregnant. That could mean changing your medication before pregnancy or in early pregnancy, so it is important to get specialist advice. Ask your GP practice to refer you for pre-pregnancy counselling at St Thomas’ Hospital or King’s College Hospital.
Get in touch with your GP or healthcare professional if you need any advice about planning for a baby.