It is important for you and your baby that you try and improve your health as much as possible before conception.  Women who have fewer health complications during pregnancy are more likely to have healthy babies.  

Maternal medicine 

If you have any pre-existing health needs such as cardiac, diabetes, epilepsy or renal issues, please see your GP to discuss pregnancy planning. 

If you take any medication for mental illness, please speak to your GP or mental health care coordinator and do not stop your medication until you have discussed this with a health professional first. 

More online information and resources on various topics: 

Planning for pregnancy - Tommy's (tommys.org) - A tool for women who are planning a pregnancy that will tell you all you need to know about how to improve the health of your future pregnancy. 

Planning your pregnancy - NHS (nhs.uk) - Information from the NHS about planning your pregnancy. 

Planning a pregnancy - Tommy's (tommy's.org) - Information from Tommys.org about planning your pregnancy.