Protect your pregnancy before you conceive

Thinking about getting pregnant? If so, then you're probably already knee-deep in ovulation predictor kits, temperature charts and maybe even pregnancy test kits.

While most women are concerned about what happens after they conceive, doctors say that more should be thinking about what to do before they even try for a baby.

"We've attempted to get the message out there, but I don't think enough women take advantage of the fact that there are things you can do prior to conception to not only ensure your own health during pregnancy, but also that of your baby," says Dr Michael Silverstein, an obstetrician and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Stop smoking

At the top of most experts’ “to do” list before getting pregnant is to stop smoking -- a leading cause of problems for both mother and baby.

"We still have an epidemic of smoking during pregnancy, and the single most important piece of advice I could give women contemplating pregnancy is to stop smoking," says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bryan Hecht.

Smoking is linked to low birth-weight babies, pre-term deliveries and even stillbirths. It is important to stop smoking during pregnancy to help give your baby the best chance in life.

Studies show smoking can also make it harder for you to get pregnant. Smoking reduces a woman's fertility level by directly affecting the ovaries and reducing oestrogen levels. Stopping during pregnancy planning may not only help you get pregnant faster, it will also help ensure that your pregnancy -- and your baby -- starts off in the right direction.

There is plenty of help around if you are finding it difficult to stop smoking. For example, the NHS has a pregnancy smoking helpline (0800 169 9 169) staffed by trained counsellors who can offer support and advice.

Folic acid is important

When they are pregnant, most women know it's important to take folic acidsupplements. What experts say many women don't realise, however, is how important it is to take this vitamin B supplement prior to attempting conception.

The NHS recommends you should begin taking folic acid when considering pregnancy. Folic acid has been shown to decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect (such as spina bifida), a serious condition in which the brain and spinal cord do not form normally in the baby. In the UK, women deemed to be at “normal” risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, both while they are trying to conceive and until the 12th week of pregnancy. Women at high risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect are advised to take 5mg of folic acid both in the preconception period and until the 12th week of pregnancy. Women with sickle-cell anaemia are advised to take 5mg of folic acid before conception and throughout the entire pregnancy.

The reason: "Folic acid is important right from the very moment your baby is conceived, and since many women can be pregnant four, six or eight weeks before they know it, taking folic acid prior to conception is one important way to ensure your body has a good supply right from the very start of your pregnancy," says Dr Carol Bates.

In fact, Bates says taking folic acid is not only her top recommendation for women trying to get pregnant, she adds that "it's so important that I believe every woman who is sexually active and not using a highly reliable method of birth control should be taking folic acid, just on the off chance that she does get pregnant".