Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Midwives in the UK ask all women and pregnant people whether they have experienced FGM, regardless of their background or where they were born.
If someone tells you they have undergone FGM, there are extra things to think about. Some people with FGM may find it harder to become pregnant, and those who do become pregnant may experience complications during childbirth.
Further information and specialist support:
LGBTQIA+
Planning a family can look different for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. Preconception health is just as important, but the journey may involve unique considerations such as fertility options, assisted conception, surrogacy, and adoption.
Some LGBTQIA+ people may face stigma or may not see their family plans reflected in mainstream information. Inclusive, non‑judgemental conversations can help people get the support they need, whatever their parenting hopes.
Tips for inclusive practice:
- avoid assumptions about gender, sexuality, or family plans
- use inclusive language
- ask what pronouns the person would like you to use
- provide information that reflects the different ways LGBTQ+ people can become parents
Further information:
Physical and learning disability
People with physical or learning disabilities may need extra support when planning a pregnancy. They may also face assumptions about their ability to become a parent.
Ways to offer supportive care:
- avoid assumptions, disability does not mean someone cannot or should not become a parent
- encourage early planning by advising people to talk to their GP or specialist before pregnancy
- check if any medication needs reviewing before conception
- provide information in accessible formats (plain language, easy read, visual aids)
- use communication tools if helpful, such as symbols or digital aids
Further information:
Preconception considerations for women and people aged over 35 years
More people in the UK are having children later in life. Women and people aged over 30 are now the fastest‑growing group becoming pregnant. This is linked to many factors, including longer time in education, career plans, and changes in lifestyle and family patterns.
Most people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
However, there can be some increased risks. These may include fertility challenges and a higher chance of health problems during pregnancy and birth.
It can help to know about these possible risks early. It also helps to know what support is available to plan for a healthy pregnancy.
Anyone who becomes pregnant should contact their GP or midwifery service as soon as possible after finding out they are pregnant.
Teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy is a complex topic influenced by lots of factors such as poverty and inequality, lack of sexual health knowledge and access to contraceptive advice, family, relationships and community difficulties, social norms, mental health and education factors. Often these factors combine, making a young person especially vulnerable to early pregnancy.
On average, teenage pregnancies, especially for those under 16, carry increased health risks for both mother and baby, including:
Becoming a parent as a teen can also impact young people's education, mental health and long-term career prospects, meaning young teenage mums and dads need strong support systems including good access to health and social care.
If you're working with young people:
- consider how your organisation could provide or endorse messages from relationship and sexual health education (RSHE)
- support discussion around relevant topics such as young people's hopes and aspirations, what makes healthy relationships, the importance of contraception, recognising positive peer influences, and identifying helpful versus harmful influencers on social media.
- signpost young people to their local specialist sexual health services for free, confidential sexual health advice (see section on Contraception and sexual health)
- consider signs that a young person in your care may be vulnerable to early pregnancy and to take action in line with your usual organisational safeguarding policies (for example, responding to signs or disclosures of emotional, sexual or physical abuse or neglect)
- advise women and pregnant young people to contact their GP or midwifery service soon as possible after they find out that they're pregnant
Any education must link to practical support around accessing contraception from local services.