A few simple checks before you start trying can protect your health and your future baby. Many problems, such as missing vaccines or a medicine that is not safe in pregnancy, are easy to fix beforehand but harder to fix once you are pregnant. This guide covers what both partners can do.
Why plan ahead?
Your baby's brain and spine start forming very early, often before you know you are pregnant. Good nutrients, safe medicines and up-to-date vaccines matter most in those first weeks.
Some vaccines cannot be given during pregnancy, and some medicines need to be changed in advance. A pre-pregnancy visit gives you time to sort this out calmly.
Book a pre-pregnancy check-up a few months before you plan to start trying, so there is time for any vaccines or medicine changes.
The check-up and blood tests
A pre-pregnancy visit usually includes a physical exam and a talk about your health and family history. Your doctor may suggest:
- Weight, height and blood pressure
- A complete blood count to check for anaemia
- Blood tests for immunity to rubella and chickenpox if your records are unclear
- Screening for infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and other STIs
- A cervical screening test if you are due
If there are inherited conditions in either family, ask about genetic counselling or carrier screening before pregnancy.
A pre-pregnancy visit works best when you arrive with questions. These follow the areas Cleveland Clinic lists for prepregnancy care.
- Is my blood pressure and weight in a healthy range for pregnancy?
- Do I need a blood test to confirm immunity to rubella or chickenpox?
- Which of my medicines are safe to continue, and which need changing?
- Does anything in our family history mean we should see a genetic counsellor?
- Should my partner have any tests, including for infections?
For most people aged 39 or under, sex without contraception every 2 to 3 days means pregnancy is likely within a year, according to the NHS.
Vaccinations
Rubella (German measles) during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects. If you are not immune, you can have the MMR vaccine, which also covers measles and mumps.
| Vaccine | Before pregnancy |
|---|---|
| MMR (rubella) | Have it if not immune, then wait one month before trying |
| Chickenpox (varicella) | Have it if not immune, use contraception for one month afterwards |
| Hepatitis B | Have it if not protected; it can also be given in pregnancy |
MMR and chickenpox are live vaccines and are not given during pregnancy. That is why it helps to check your immunity early.
Medicines, supplements and long-term conditions
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, which affect the baby's brain and spine. Take 400 micrograms a day before conception. Some women need a higher dose, so ask your doctor if you have had an affected pregnancy before.
- Bring a list of all medicines, vitamins and herbal products
- Get diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid or other conditions well controlled
- Ask your specialist whether your treatment is safe in pregnancy
- Stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor
- Assume herbal or 'natural' products are safe
- Leave a chronic condition unchecked until after a positive test
Conditions worth discussing before you try include epilepsy, diabetes, sickle cell disease and HIV. Your doctor may adjust treatment so it is as safe as possible for a future pregnancy.
Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Stopping suddenly can be riskier than the medicine itself; talk to your doctor or specialist first.
Teeth, lifestyle and your partner
Gum problems are common in pregnancy, so a dental check before you start is a good idea. Dental care is also safe during pregnancy if you need it later.
- Stop smoking, and ask for support if you need it
- Avoid alcohol while trying to conceive
- Aim for a healthy weight; being very under or over weight can make conception harder
- Keep caffeine to 200 mg a day or less, about two cups of instant coffee
Men should also see a doctor, get tested for STIs, review their medicines, stop smoking and cut down on alcohol. Smoking, heavy drinking and obesity can affect sperm.
A simple timeline
You do not need to do everything at once. Spreading the steps over a few months makes it easier, and gives time for vaccines and any medicine changes to settle.
- A few months beforeBook a check-up for both of you. Bring your vaccine records and a list of medicines. Ask which blood tests you need.
- After your resultsHave any missing vaccines. If you have MMR or chickenpox vaccine, use contraception for one month afterwards.
- Before you start tryingStart folic acid, see a dentist, and make sure any long-term condition is well controlled.
- While tryingKeep healthy habits, record your period dates, and see a doctor if it takes longer than expected.
If a test shows a problem, such as low iron or no immunity to rubella, it is usually simple to treat. Finding it now means you can start pregnancy in better health.
Remember that most couples do not need any special tests to get pregnant. This checklist is about giving you and your baby a healthy start, not about finding something wrong.
Your printable checklist
For her
For him
For both
When to see a doctor
- You take regular medicines or have a long-term condition
- Your periods are irregular or absent
- You have had an STI, pelvic surgery or a previous pregnancy problem
- There is an inherited condition in either family
- You have tried for 12 months (or 6 months if you are 35 or older)
Questions & answers
How early should I start folic acid?
Start before you begin trying, ideally as soon as you plan a pregnancy. Take 400 micrograms every day.
I had the MMR vaccine. How long should I wait?
It is best to wait one month after the MMR vaccine before getting pregnant. Your doctor can confirm immunity with a blood test.
Does my partner really need a check-up?
Yes. Infections, medicines and habits in men can affect fertility and pregnancy, so checking both partners makes sense.