Sexual Health Week 2017

stop

Drinking alcohol from preconception until after giving birth
Smoking (permanently, if possible)
Taking street drugs, including so-called 'legal highs'
Highly stressful, violent or abusive relationships and situations
Exposure to radiation and toxic substances in your home and work environments
Risking sexually transmitted diseases and potential birth-defect causing infections/illnesses, eg HIV, diabetes, rubella and now Zika virus.

Is it a good time to become pregnant, given your overall physical and mental health?
Do you have a medical condition creating significant risks to good pregnancy and birth outcomes?
Are all your vaccinations up-to-date and still protecting you -or is a booster needed before conception?
Are any of your prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs or supplements unsafe or unwise to continue if you become pregnant?

Taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements (check with GP)
A nutritious diet to get to, and maintain, a healthy weight
Regular physical activity that is right for you before becoming pregnant
Healthy ways of relaxing, strengthening positive relationships and improving your mental wellbeing
Learning about your and your partner's family medical history, in case genetic screening or counselling might be helpful
Preparing for your potential next pregnancy, by becoming as healthy as possible and by ensuring safe birth spacing