Lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on the chances of conception. Pharmacy support staff can advise customers to:

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids
• Aim to be close to correct body weight before becoming pregnant, and avoid putting on too much unnecessary weight during pregnancy. Women who are overweight are more likely to experience high blood pressure and other complications during pregnancy
• Alcohol can harm an unborn child, so should be avoided when trying for a baby and during pregnancy
• Stop smoking. Smoking can reduce the chance of getting pregnant and affect the health of an unborn child
• Taking regular exercise before conceiving will build strength and stamina that may also improve the chance of falling pregnant and help you during pregnancy
• Take folic acid 400mcg daily as soon as starting to try to conceive and until the 12th week of pregnancy unless otherwise advised. Supplements specifically developed for pregnant women may also be beneficial (example: Pregnacare)
• Those who have not had a rubella (German measles) vaccine since childhood may need to get their immunity checked before getting pregnant
• Women with long-term conditions who are on regular medication should seek advice from their GP before planning a pregnancy.