Pre-conception care involves adopting a healthy lifestyle before trying to have a baby. Being fit, active and eating a healthy diet, increases a couple's chances of having a successful pregnancy. Women who are looking to start a family should see a GP to check they're up to date with vaccinations, particularly against German measles (rubella) and chickenpox, as these can cause problems during pregnancy.

The GP can also review her family's medical history to see if there is a need for genetic screening. Some conditions are caused by gene abnormalities and may be passed from parent to child, e.g. cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anaemia and Huntingdon's disease. Also, if a woman suffers from an existing medical condition, such as diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease or asthma, a GP may need to ensure that the condition is controlled before she becomes pregnant. Some medicines are not recommended during pregnancy and alternatives may be required.

Women who may become pregnant need to take 400mcg of folic acid every day, even if they are not planning a family at this time. Folic acid (folate) is a B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells, including blood cells. It occurs naturally in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans and whole grains. It is also added to some manufactured foods, such as flour and cereals. Everybody needs a supply of folic acid in their diet, but it is especially important for pregnant women in their first trimester and those who may become pregnant. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida, where the baby's spinal column does not close properly, leaving the spinal cord exposed.

Folic acid has benefits in the very early stages of pregnancy, often before the woman knows she's expecting. If a woman has already had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, her doctor may prescribe a daily dose of 5mg of folic acid.