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Lifestyle factors and pregnancy

It is important to talk about pregnancy before it happens to make sure you and your partner both want the same thing.

You should also think about some lifestyle factors to help you to get pregnant and ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.

 These include:

  • eating a healthy balanced diet;
  • stopping smoking - visit want2stop.info for advice and to order a free Quit Kit.
  • maintaining a healthy weight;
  • avoiding drinking alcohol if you are pregnant or trying to conceive;
  • if you or your partner are taking any medication speak to your doctor about whether it will affect your pregnancy;
  • if you have a long term health condition, eg diabetes or a family history of any inherited diseases, talk to your GP or specialist before you try to get pregnant.
  • getting tested for rubella;
  • getting tested for STIs.
  • taking folic acid supplements:
  • if you or someone in your family already has a baby with spina bifida, you should talk to your doctor about what folic acid supplements you may need to take:
  • if you have coeliac disease, diabetes, are obese or on anti-epilieptic medication you should talk to your doctor about what folic acid supplements you may need to take.

Find out more:

The Pregnancy Book 

Nutrition and pregnancy

Smoking and pregnancy

Alcohol, conception and pregnancy

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