Preconception health means helping people be as physically and mentally healthy as possible before they become pregnant. It focuses on staying well during the years when someone could get pregnant. For most people, this starts at puberty and continues into adulthood.
Interconception health is the time between one pregnancy and the next. It's about recovering from the last pregnancy, managing any health conditions, and preparing for a future one.
Being healthy before pregnancy can make a big difference. It can lower the chance of complications, support a safer pregnancy, and improve long‑term health for both parents and babies. A parent's health has a direct impact on their baby's health.
Preconception health is not only for people who may become pregnant. It also matters for partners and anyone who may support a future pregnancy. The choices both parents make, such as not smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating well, and staying active can affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and a child's long‑term health.
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To improve the health of all babies and children, we need to support healthy conception and healthy pregnancies for everyone of reproductive age, whatever their gender, income, background, or circumstances.
In the UK, around 55% of pregnancies are planned. When a pregnancy is planned, people have time to prepare. They can make healthy changes, such as eating well, stopping smoking, taking folic acid, and getting the right support to manage any medical conditions. These steps can increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Around 45% of pregnancies are not planned. This means many people do not have the chance to make changes before becoming pregnant, even if they want to. They may not realise how much their health can affect a future pregnancy.
By sensitively raising awareness about preconception health with people who may be thinking about (but not actively planning on) becoming pregnant, we can empower them to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
For some people that might lead to deciding to talk with a sexual health nurse about starting a new type of contraception. Others might decide to reach out for support to stop smoking or make a plan for getting more active.
Having the right information helps people make healthy choices that benefit their own health now and kickstart a healthy pregnancy journey if that's what they would like.
Start with gentle, open questions to understand the person's needs, hopes, or concerns.
You might ask:
- How are you feeling about your health at the moment?
- Is having a baby something you've thought about, now or in the future?
- Is there anything you'd like help with before thinking about a pregnancy?
These questions help create a safe space and show that you are listening.
Share clear, simple information to help someone think about their health.
This might include:
- why being healthy before pregnancy is important
- small changes that can help, like eating well, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, or managing long‑term conditions
- how planning ahead can support a safer pregnancy
- how unplanned pregnancy is common, and why being healthy now still matters
Keep the tone warm, non‑judgemental, and reassuring.
You can help someone to take one small step they feel ready for.
This could be:
- signposting to a local service
- giving a leaflet
- helping them book an appointment
- encouraging them to talk to their GP, a midwife, or a sexual health nurse
- talking about an easy change they could start today
Small steps taken early can make a real difference to their health now, and to any future pregnancy.
Tommy's Planning for Pregnancy Toolkit
The Tommy's Planning for Pregnancy Toolkit is a free online tool that helps people improve their health before getting pregnant. It asks simple questions about lifestyle and health, then gives personalised advice to support a healthy pregnancy and baby.
It's quick to complete, fully anonymous, and based on trusted evidence. Most people finish it in just a few minutes, and the advice is tailored to their own needs.
Using this toolkit can help people feel more prepared, make healthier choices, and reduce risks before pregnancy.