Getting ready for pregnancy

Before you start trying for a baby, check your medicines, folic acid and vaccination records. The NHS and CDC recommend talking about your health before trying to get pregnant. This matters most if you have a health condition or take regular medicines.

Bring the questions that matter to you. You might ask how pregnancy could fit around treatment you already need, or where to get help to stop smoking. The appointment is a chance to get help, not to explain every choice you’ve made.

Folic acid starts before a positive test

Folic acid helps the baby’s brain and spine develop. It can prevent neural tube defects, which are problems with the brain and spine. These happen very early in pregnancy, often before someone knows they’re pregnant. That’s why the advice starts before you conceive.

In the UK, the NHS recommends 400 micrograms of folic acid every day while trying to get pregnant. It’s best to start 3 months before, and to keep taking it for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you find out you’re pregnant before you’ve started, the NHS says to start as soon as you know.

In the US, the CDC also recommends 400 micrograms a day. It advises starting at least 1 month before conception and carrying on during pregnancy. Countries put the start time in different ways. Follow your local guidance, and ask your pharmacist or doctor which supplement suits you.

This advice changed recently: the NHS now says ideally 3 months before pregnancy. Some people need a different prescription. This includes people with diabetes, some blood conditions, or a past pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect. Ask your GP or doctor about your situation rather than picking a higher-strength product yourself.

Check vaccines before you start trying

Ask your GP surgery or doctor to check your vaccination record. MMR matters most here, as it protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The NHS recommends checking this before pregnancy. You can’t have MMR during pregnancy. CDC advice is to have it a month or more before pregnancy. Ask the clinician giving the vaccine when you can start trying.

If you can’t find your record, say so when you book. Ask what needs checking rather than relying on what you remember from childhood. Keep the plan you agree with your other appointment notes.

Review the treatment you already take

Tell your clinician about your prescriptions, medicines you buy without a prescription, vitamins and other supplements. Include herbal remedies. Don’t stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor. The NHS advises talking about the safest treatment while you’re trying to get pregnant.

Long-term conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, sickle cell disease and HIV are good reasons to talk to a clinician before pregnancy. If you have a partner, the NHS advises talking about their conditions and medicines too. A useful way to start is: “I’m thinking about pregnancy. What needs checking before I try?”

Make everyday changes with support

The NHS recommends avoiding alcohol while trying to get pregnant, and getting support to stop smoking. CDC advice also recommends stopping alcohol, smoking and some drugs before pregnancy. If stopping is hard, ask your GP or doctor for help. You can talk openly about what makes it hard.

Weight can also affect getting pregnant. The NHS says a weight that is too low or too high can make it harder. Ask for advice that suits your health and situation. If you have worries about food or weight, bring those up too.

Arrange the checks that apply to you

Before trying, book a GP appointment in the UK, or see your doctor in the US or elsewhere, if you have a long-term condition, take medicines or need help with smoking or alcohol. The NHS also recommends checking whether your cervical screening is due. It suggests an STI test if you think you or a partner may have an infection.

Before you leave, ask which checks to arrange now and who will review your medicines. Ask too who to contact with any more questions. Write down what you’ve agreed to do next and anything you’re still deciding.