Planning Pregnancy
Starting a family can be a scary and exciting time. There are lots of things to think about and the information below will support you in getting everything ready and giving baby the best start.
Top tips to give your baby the best start:
- Take a folic acid supplement
- Stop smoking
- Cut out alcohol
- Keep a healthy weight
- Know which medicines you can take safely
- Ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations
- Talk to a doctor if you have a mental health concern or other long-term condition
The NHS have a lot of support and guidance to improve your chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy, including advice for LGBTQIA+ parents.
You can also find some advice for dads and partners on the Start for Life website that will help you prepare for pregnancy.
If you have a mental health condition, or did in the past, you may to seek some extra support. This NHS overview explains some of the potential challenges as well as the support you can expect along your journey. You can find information about all the local help and support for your emotional wellbeing during and after pregnancy on our Healthy Mind page.
Tommy’s charity have a pregnancy planner that will help you ensure that you are fit and well when you become pregnant, giving your baby the best start. They also have a page of suggestions for things to look for and tools or apps you can use to help you get pregnant.
Finances
Having a child is expensive, yet many parents are not fully aware of the impact having a child can have on their finances. When considering having a baby it is helpful to look at your finances and ensure that you are fully aware of what impact any child may have on your family income. MoneyHelper is a free government website which has a range of helpful guides for new or expecting parents. You can also find a guide to maternity and paternity leave on Money Saving Expert, to help you plan ahead.