Thinking about having a baby?

If you're thinking about getting pregnant, you will want to give yourself and your baby-to-be the best possible start.

The NHS says around nine out of 10 couples conceive within a year of trying and around half of those who have been trying for a year will conceive the following year. The remaining women may need medical help to conceive.

Remember all this advice applies not only to women trying to get pregnant but also to their male partners.

A healthy pregnancy

There is a lot you can do to make sure you and are healthy and prepared for having a baby. Things you might want to think about include:

Chat with your GP

Your GP can give you advice about trying to get pregnant. You might want to talk about:

vaccinations: check your immunisations are up to date particularly rubella (German measles) and varicella (the virus which causes chickenpox and shingles).
contraception: certain types of contraception take time to stop working.

Maternity allowances and benefits

You may want to find out what benefits you will be entitled to if and when you stop work to have a baby.

Published on: 23/01/2023