If a person has a chronic condition like diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), asthma, epilepsy, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), managing it before pregnancy is key to improving health outcomes.
Advise them to work with their healthcare provider to ensure their condition is under control before they conceive.
Getting support early from their GP or consultant can help people have a safer pregnancy and a healthier baby.
People with diabetes who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should be advised to contact their local Diabetes Antenatal Clinic as soon as possible for specialist support, they do not need to wait for a GP or midwife appointment, as early advice is important.
Contact your local Diabetes Antenatal Clinic to book an appointment and find out more:
Messages for healthcare professionals should advise people with long‑term health conditions to:
- speak to their GP or midwife as soon as they can
- get help for any symptoms that have not been checked yet
- talk to their GP or specialist again if they feel their condition has changed
- work with their healthcare team to plan ahead if they want to become pregnant
Good planning means:
- making sure their condition is well controlled
- taking medicines that are safe in pregnancy
- getting advice on healthy lifestyle changes that can help
People should never stop taking medication suddenly. Stopping without speaking to a healthcare professional can make their condition worse.
For further information, visit the East Midlands Maternal Medicine Network for more details on pre-pregnancy care.
BUMPS is a patient-facing website that provides trusted information on the use of medicines during pregnancy.
Medications and preconception care
Some medicines are not safe to take during pregnancy.
This is why checking medicines before trying for a baby is very important.
Advise people to:
- review all their medicines with their GP or specialist
- include partner's medicines if needed, as some can affect fertility
- talk to their GP, pharmacist or specialist before changing or stopping any medicine
Stopping medication without advice can cause harm or make their health condition harder to manage.
Genetics and preconception health
Some health conditions can run in families.
People with a personal or family history of genetic conditions may benefit from genetic screening and counselling to better understand how genetics could affect their fertility and the health of their future children.
Messages for healthcare professionals to share:
- advise them to speak to their GP
- advise them to get speak to a health professional about genetic screening or having counselling to understand how genetics may affect fertility or future children
The East Midlands Maternal Medicine Network also offers guidance on genetic conditions before pregnancy Pre-conception care - East Midlands Maternal Medicine Network
Neural tube defects (NTDs)
Neural tube defects are serious conditions that affect the baby's brain, spine, or spinal cord. They develop very early in pregnancy, often before someone even knows they are expecting. This happens when the neural tube, the part of the embryo that forms the brain and spinal cord, does not close in the usual way.
Messages for professionals to share:
- folic acid can help lower the chance of serious problems with a baby's brain and spine. It is recommended that women and pregnant people take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day
- starting folic acid early is important. Encourage people to begin taking it at least one month before trying for a baby, as this gives the body time to build up the right level
Folic acid also supports overall health. It's used to treat or prevent folate‑deficiency anaemia and helps the body make healthy red blood cells and is found in certain foods.
Healthy Start vitamins (containing folic acid and vitamin D) are available for pregnant women and people through the Healthy Start scheme.