Ten ways to help you have a healthy baby.

Do check that you are immune to rubella (German measles). If you are unsure, check with our practice nurse who can arrange vaccination if necessary. If rubella is caught in early pregnancy, the baby could be blind, deaf or have a heart problem.
Do not smoke. Check with our nurse if you or your partner need help to stop smoking. Smoking causes premature, lightweight babies who are at risk of further illness after birth, as children and when they grow up into adults. On average, women who smoke take 50% longer to conceive.
Do eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and regular meals. Cook meat, ready-prepared food, and eggs fully; avoid liver, paté, soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk and cream.
Do take a folic acid supplement to help prevent spina bifida. Ask the chemist for a 400 microgram supplement per day; this website has a page explaining which foods are high in folate content.
Do keep alcohol to a minimum (it is now considered unsafe to consume any alcohol).
Do take plenty of exercise and carry on during pregnancy to get fit for labour.
Do take care to avoid infections carried by pets. Use gloves if dealing with a litter-trays. Wash hands carefully after gardening. Avoid kittens. Click here for more details about toxoplasmosis.
Do tell the chemist, doctor or dentist that you are trying to get pregnant before taking any medicine. Even medicines that you can buy may not be safe. If you are on regular medication, discuss its safety with the doctor and do not stop it unless told to do so.
Do enjoy trying to get pregnant. The best time is about 14 days before your next period is due, when the vaginal mucus is wet and stringy (like egg-white), rather than tacky (like yoghurt).
Do talk to the doctor if there is any family background of abnormalities (e.g. Down's syndrome or spina bifida), if you yourself have any health problems, or if you have had more than 3 miscarriages.