Getting ready for pregnancy
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You can improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy by following this pre-conception care advice.
Getting your body ready
You're much more likely to have a safe and healthy pregnancy if you're taking good care of yourself. Your baby's health will be better too. If possible, start planning at least 3 months before you stop taking contraception and trying for a baby.
To get in the best shape:
- aim for a healthy weight and diet
- be active every day
- take folic acid
- manage your medicines well
- look after your mental health
- make sure you've had your MMR vaccination
And stop:
Important: How to eat a healthy balanced diet
Eating well and achieving a healthy weight is important for:
- fertility in men and women
- a healthy pregnancy and birth
Folic acid
Women who are planning a pregnancy, or may become pregnant, should take a daily folic acid supplement. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
The recommended dosage is 400 micrograms:
- at least one month prior to pregnancy
- for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
Some women are recommended to take more.
Important: Vitamins and minerals in pregnancy
Some vitamins and minerals are very important when you're pregnant. Making sure you get the right nutrients is vital for your baby to grow and develop.
More about vitamins and minerals in pregnancy from NHS informMental health
Positive mental health and wellbeing is important for you and your baby. If you take medication for a mental health issue, speak to your GP or other health professional before becoming pregnant.
Perinatal Infant Mental Health team pre-conception
For pre-conception advice and care planning you can be referred to the Perinatal Infant Mental Health team who will support you and can include your partner and your family if you are thinking about and planning a pregnancy and:
- are currently taking a complex psychotropic medication regime (medications that alter mood, perceptions, and behaviour)
- and/or are currently well and have a current or historical diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum psychosis, severe depression or have required inpatient treatment either in a mother and baby unit or a general adult mental health hospital.
We will provide a safe place for you to think about your fears and wishes, to enable you to make the right decisions moving forward. If you wish to discuss being referred, please contact your local GP or health professional.
Important: Your mental health and wellbeing in pregnancy
Emotional highs and lows are natural and normal when you’re pregnant. Most women have good mental health during their pregnancy, though some find it harder to manage. You can help yourself stay mentally well while pregnant and preparing for the birth of your baby.
More about mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy from NHS informMMR vaccine
You should check if you're protected against rubella. You're protected if you've had 2 doses of the MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine. If you're unsure, ask your GP to check your vaccine history. If you haven't had 2 doses of MMR, ask to get the vaccination.
As a precaution, you should avoid becoming pregnant for one month after having the MMR vaccine.
Important: MMR vaccination
The MMR vaccine helps to protect babies against measles, mumps and rubella. It is sometimes also offered to adults who missed their childhood immunisations.
More about MMR vaccine from NHS informHealthy relationships
Being in a healthy and happy relationship before pregnancy is best for you and any children you may have.
If you have experienced any form of physical or psychological abuse or violence and would like support, speak to:
- your local GP or health professional
- Scottish Women's Aid
- Relationships Scotland
Important: Violence and abuse in pregnancy
Physical and emotional abuse against women and can affect women from all walks of life. About 1 in 5 women experience domestic abuse or violence from a partner or ex-partner at some point in their lives. Some may also have experienced other forms of abuse as a child or from other family members.
More about violence and abuse in pregnancy from NHS informMoney worries
Many families are struggling to make ends meet and being pregnant can add financial pressures. You can reduce the stress caused by worrying about money when pregnant by getting some free support to manage your money, address any debt issues and check what benefits you may be entitled to:
- Money worries? Resources for people facing worries about money.
- Welfare support from Highland Council - where to get help.
Maternity and neonatal
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Infant feeding
Within NHS Highland we are committed to supporting you in your choice to feed your baby. We provide many services an...
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Maternity and neonatal
Information and support to prepare you for pregnancy, labour, birth and the early days of parenting.