Planning to have a child and preparing for pregnancy

When you're preparing to have a baby it's a good time to make some steps towards improving your health.

The chances of getting pregnant are greater if you're healthy and happy. Being healthy will also help your baby get the best start in life when they arrive.

It's also a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your GP will guide and support you through your pregnancy journey, together with the NHS Maternity Service and Midwifery Team.

You can talk to your GP about what vitamins and supplements are good to take when planning to have a baby.

Eating well and cutting down on alcohol can help with the chances of conceiving. The safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. Visit our alcohol and pregnancy page for more information.

Quitting smoking is both beneficial to you and your unborn child so it's good advice to give up before trying to get pregnant.

Now is also a good time to look at your finances and make plans for the future. If you choose to return to work after the baby is born, you may need to look at childcare and the costs.

See more information about pre-conception care on the Humber and North Yorkshire Maternity website.

See more information about preparing for pregnancy on the Humber and North Yorkshire Maternity website.