Here’s to your good health if planning a pregnancy

NHS Lanarkshire is promoting the importance of good health to couples hoping to get pregnant.

Their message on pre-conception health offers advice and tips of good mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Aimed at men and women during their reproductive years, the advice is offered to those before and between pregnancies.

Ashley Goodfellow, public health specialist for NHS Lanarkshire, said:“Good preconception health is important for increasing your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

“All men and women can benefit from good preconception health, whether or not they plan to have a baby now, or in the future.

“What many people don’t realise is that it is just as important for men to be healthy. Things such as alcohol, smoking and obesity all affect male fertility and if a male is healthy it supports his partner to be healthy too.”

With almost half of pregnancies being unplanned, it is important to be aware of the benefits of preparing for pregnancy and what to do if you become pregnant unexpectedly. Key messages include: • Practice safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy

• Positive mental health and wellbeing is important for both you and your baby

• Eat well and have a healthy weight, which is important for fertility (in both men and women), and healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes.

• Women who may become pregnant should take a daily folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms at least one a month prior to pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks after you conceive

• If pregnant or hoping to become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all, to keep the risks to your baby to a minimum

• Stop smoking as this can be harmful to you, your unborn baby and those around you

• No illegal drugs are safe for use in pregnancy or when planning pregnancy

• Being in a healthy and happy relationship before pregnancy is best for you and any children you may have

• If you are planning pregnancy or may become pregnant you should check if you are protected against rubella