Cervical screening
As part of preconception planning, women and people with a cervix should check that their cervical screening is up-to-date. If screening is due during pregnancy, it will usually be delayed until after the baby is born, unless there are high risks to delaying it.
Regular cervical screening is a vital tool to help prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical screening checks the health of the cervix and helps find any abnormal changes to the cells, before they can turn into cancer.
During cervical screening, a health professional (usually a nurse) takes a sample of cells from the cervix, which are then sent to the lab, to check for certain 'high risk' types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV causes almost all cervical cancers. If high risk HPV is found, then the cells are checked for any abnormal changes and they will usually be invited for follow-up appointment, which may include treatment and further monitoring.
Women and people with a cervix will be invited for their first cervical screening a few months before they turn 25.
They are then invited for screening every 5 years until the age of 64.
Any woman before pregnancy who is not up-to-date with their cervical screening should contact their GP to make an appointment
For cervical screening, advise people to contact their GP practice to book an appointment or to discuss this further.
Find out more about the importance of cervical screening.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations before and during pregnancy are vital for protecting both parent and baby.
Preconception is an important time for people to check if they are up-to-date with their vaccinations before becoming pregnant. Some diseases such as rubella can be dangerous for both mother and baby, so it is important for people to contact their GP before pregnancy.
People are eligible to have most of these vaccines at any time in their life, even if they are normally given in childhood.
For example the MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles during pregnancy can cause premature birth, miscarriage or still birth. Rubella can cause damage to a babies hearing or sight.
MMR is not offered in pregnancy so it is important to ensure women are up-to-date before becoming pregnant.
If someone isn't up-to-date with their vaccinations before becoming pregnant they can book an appointment with their GP once their baby is born.
HPV vaccination
The HPV vaccination helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause abnormal changes in the cells that can sometimes turn into cancer.
The HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV. The HPV vaccine helps protect both girls and boys from HPV-related cancers.
If the HPV vaccine was missed during the school aged years, then anyone is able to receive the vaccine via their GP practice up to the age of 25.
Read more about NHS vaccination information in pregnancy.
Key messages for professionals to share:
- advise pregnant people to contact their GP or midwife as soon as they know they are pregnant
- encourage catch-up vaccinations before pregnancy