Before Pregnancy

The NHS provides advice about trying for a baby, including planning a pregnancy and LGBT+ routes into parenthood.

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This includes information about: 

• Trying to get pregnant

• Getting pregnant if you have a mental health condition

• Planning your pregnancy

• Doing a pregnancy test

• Signs and symptoms of pregnancy

• How long does it usually take to get pregnant?

• Planning another pregnancy

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If you’re planning to get pregnant, eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you stay well throughout pregnancy and be good for your baby’s health. Tommy's have useful tips on eating healthy pre-pregnancy.

NHS Fife provide Preconception Care advice and signposting for women who are thinking of conceiving a child. 

The  Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides Pre-conception and Maternity  information to help you understand more about starting a family.  

The goal of pre-conception care is to improve the long and short-term health outcomes of women, pregnant people and their children. NICE provide useful pre-conception and fertility advice and guidance.

Preconception counselling (PCC)  requires a personalised approach to care in partnership with the patient which will allow the woman to make an informed choice about whether or not to pursue a pregnancy. 

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Preconception counselling provides an opportunity to:

• optimise cardiac status prior to a pregnancy. This may include where there is an indication for cardiac intervention

• recommend safe, effective methods of contraception

• review cardiac medications and their use in pregnancy, making plans to adjust medication if appropriate and under ongoing clinical supervision

• referral for genetic consultation if appropriate

• recommend a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation and weight management

• inform women of who to contact on confirmation of pregnancy to ensure appropriate review and follow-up though pregnancy

• discuss alternative routes to having a child if the woman choses not to pursue pregnancy

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The Scottish Obstetric Cardiac Network, Barts Health NHS Trust,  and the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provide useful information.

Over 3.5 million people in the UK go through some kind of fertility challenge. Nobody should struggle alone.  Whether you’re trying to conceive, going through treatment, or living without children, we’re here to help you.

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There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to fertility, so that’s why Fertility Network UK offers a wide range of resources and support.

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