The 11 baby-ready questions you need to ask

Once you’ve made the exciting decision to start trying for a baby, the next step is to think about your own health. If you need to, there are lots of small changes you can make to your daily life to help maximize your chances of conceiving and reduce your risk of pregnancy complications, like quitting smoking and striving for a balanced diet and optimal weight. It’s also important to talk to your healthcare provider about any current health problems and medications you’re taking, as well as any family history of illness. He or she will be able to tell you whether you need to make further changes before you get pregnant.

My preconception checklist

1. My current health concerns: _________________________________________________________________

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Will these affect my pregnancy? Can I do anything about them before I conceive?

2. My current medications: _____________________________________________________________________

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Are these safe to take while I’m trying to conceive? If not, what can I take instead?

3. My current over-the-counter/non-prescription medications: ___________________________________

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Are these safe to take while I’m trying to conceive? If not, what can I take instead?

4. Health problems that run in my family: __________________________________________________________

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Health problems that run in my partner’s family: _______________________________________________

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Do I need to worry about these? Do I need any extra tests? Or should I see a genetic counsellor?

5. Problems I had with previous pregnancy/pregnancies: ________________________________________

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What can I do to reduce the risk of these problems happening again?

6. Supplements I’m currently taking: ___________________________________________________________

Are these OK when I’m trying to conceive? What other supplements should I consider while trying to conceive?

7. Number of units of alcohol I drink per week: _________________________________________________

Is this safe? How can I cut down?

8. Vaccines/screenings I might need: ____________________________________________________________

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When is it safe to have these? How do I arrange them?

9. What social support and resources are available to me if I feel I need it?

(Pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during the first months)

10. How can I improve my overall health to prepare for pregnancy?

Am I at a healthy weight? If not, how can I strive to reach a healthy weight?

11. Smokers only: What support is available to help me quit smoking?