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How can you prepare for pregnancy

If you are reading this, you are among those future parents who want to do everything they can, consciously and responsibly, to give a new little life the healthiest possible start. Family planning aims to protect the physical and emotional health of mother and baby and to avoid developmental problems. Its importance is huge.

If you are planning your first baby

It is an incredibly exciting time when both partners express the wish to have a child and start a family. From that moment on, both people become a little more focused, and family planning takes centre stage as you map out the road ahead.

Some people have an instinctive feel for what to do and how to do it. Others may find it less familiar and look for information. This is completely natural, as we all come from different families and have different experiences. How does it feel for you

When planning a first child, it is worth reading professional sources, talking to others about their experiences, and consulting a doctor if there is a health issue. Support from a health visitor will arrive once pregnancy is established, though during planning you can still seek advice services if you wish.

If you are planning a second or later baby

A happy family photo shows parents with their little girl, and mum is pregnant with their second child

You already have a major advantage, with experience and confidence. If your previous pregnancy was recent, you probably have a clear sense of your health as a mum. Your baby care routine and everyday rhythm are in place, which may make it easier to welcome the new sibling.

Planning consciously still matters with a next baby, because a lot can change in a year, including circumstances and health. It helps to review a few points and, most importantly, to talk openly together as a couple.

Why is it important to plan pregnancy consciously

The ideal situation for conception is when both partners want a baby and are prepared to take responsibility for birth and upbringing. In reality, this is not the case for many pregnancies. Even when a pregnancy is wanted, carefully considered preparation is relatively rare.
If a mum starts lifestyle changes on the day of a positive test, quits smoking then, and only at that point tells her gynaecologist she has high blood sugar or recently took medication, there may be effects that can no longer be prevented.

There are several reasons to try to place conception and birth in the best possible circumstances. Before starting a family, it is worth thinking through a few important points, some of which are especially significant.

The stability of your relationship

Mum and dad cuddle their baby with great love

A loving relationship and good teamwork between parents are essential for welcoming a new family member. If the foundation for a family is there, trust, mutual support, emotional safety, willingness to cooperate, empathy and so on, it is much easier to adapt together to all the new things and possible challenges around birth. These can include learning and accepting new roles, a growing sense of responsibility, more tasks in daily life and unexpected difficulties.

Your psychological readiness

It is worth taking an inner journey as well. How open do you feel to the new role and to changes in your life Are you mentally prepared for new tasks Can you ask for and accept help if needed Can you support each other with love when the other needs it

Your health status

The mother’s current health has a strong impact on pregnancy and baby. If there is an existing condition, diabetes, PCOS, thyroid problems, autoimmune disease, epilepsy and so on, or even a suspicion that something is not working properly, these should be checked with specialists, with pregnancy in mind, and across the relevant areas.

Your financial situation and options

Mum and dad assemble a cot in the nursery for their baby on the way

Think short and long term. Expecting a baby brings significant costs. It is worth considering solutions, as there are many ways to save money. Everyone can judge based on their own situation when the time feels right financially and what reserves you can rely on for the future.

Targeted lifestyle changes for your baby’s sake

Many people decide to adjust certain habits for the health of mother and baby. This often means giving up things considered harmful, for example excess refined carbohydrates, highly processed foods, alcohol or cigarettes.
You can also think about a way of life that may not fit well with family life later. An overworked schedule, frequent travel or commuting and high stress can all be part of this.

The most basic precautions for your baby’s health

Stop smoking, for both mother and father
Avoid regular or high alcohol intake
Stop the oral contraceptive pill at least 3 months before trying to conceive
Aim for a calm state of mind and reduce stress
Take a prenatal vitamin at least 3 months before the planned pregnancy

Smoking can delay conception and cause several pregnancy complications. Alcohol in pregnancy can restrict the baby’s growth and affect healthy nervous system development.

Consultations for your baby’s health

Consider targeted checks

There are many specialist clinics today, yet few people realise that when planning pregnancy they can choose tests and consultations that strongly support their future child’s health.

A baby’s health depends greatly on the parents’ health at the moment of conception. A check may reveal an as yet unknown condition in one parent that needs treatment. With chronic illness, regular monitoring is often justified during the months of pregnancy. If you take medication, only a specialist can determine whether the active ingredient could affect conception, whether you should stop it or switch to another. Clearly, welcoming a baby calls for responsible planning.

You can also contact family support services

You can access health visitor advice services free of charge, regardless of where you live, if you want to be better prepared for starting a family, have questions or are facing a difficult situation.

When should you see a doctor

If pregnancy does not occur after one year of regular intercourse, or if you are over 35 and do not conceive within six months, it is worth seeing your gynaecologist, who will check for pelvic inflammatory disease or any other issue. After a previous miscarriage, a gynaecological check is also advisable.

Sources:

NHS — Planning your pregnancy

Tommy’s — Planning a pregnancy