Planning a pregnancy (trying to conceive)
If you're thinking about having a baby, there are several things you can do to give yourself the best chance of a healthy pregnancy.
Before you become pregnant
- Take folic acid 400 micrograms every day for at least 3 months before trying to conceive and continue until you are 12 weeks pregnant. Some people may need a higher dose – please speak to us if you have diabetes, epilepsy, a BMI over 30, or have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect.
- Take Vitamin D (10 micrograms/400 IU daily) throughout pregnancy and while trying to conceive.
- Aim for a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
- Stop smoking and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to no more than 200mg per day (around 2 mugs of instant coffee or 2–3 cups of tea).
- Check that any prescription or over-the-counter medicines are safe to take before and during pregnancy.
- Make sure your cervical screening (smear test) is up to date before becoming pregnant.
- If you have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure or thyroid disease, arrange a pre-pregnancy review with your GP or specialist.
When to seek advice
Most couples who have regular unprotected sex will conceive within one year.
Please contact the practice if:
- You have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if you are aged 36 or over).
- You have irregular or absent periods.
- You have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or previous fertility problems.
- Either partner has concerns about their fertility.
Further information
The NHS website has reliable information on pregnancy including planning a pregnancy, improving fertility and preparing for a healthy pregnancy.
If you have any questions or would like pre-conception advice, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment.
General pregnancy advice
Pregnant women in Leeds have access to excellent NHS maternity care through Leeds Teaching Hospitals. If you are newly pregnant, please register with a midwife via My pregnancy notes.
Useful websites & contacts
- Community triage line: For non-urgent pregnancy questions, call 0113 206 7111 (Monday to Friday from 8.15 am to 3.45 pm).
- Maternity assessment centres: For urgent concerns like pain, bleeding, or waters breaking, contact the Leeds General Infirmary at 0113 392 6731 or St James’s Hospital at 0113 206 5781.
- Vitamins and supplements in pregnancy - Best Start in Life - NHS
- Stop smoking
- Keeping well in Pregnancy - NHS
- Pregnancy advice - NHS
Free local wellbeing & fitness
- Bump and Baby Fit: You can access free, council-funded swimming and yoga classes for pregnant people. Find locations and schedules through Active Leeds.
- Mental Health Support: The MindWell Leeds portal provides an excellent directory for emotional support, talking therapies, and perinatal groups.
Financial & welfare help
- Healthy start scheme: Pregnant women in Leeds can apply for the NHS Healthy Start scheme to receive assistance with the costs of milk, fruit, vegetables, and free vitamins.