ü Diet: Are you eating sensibly? Make a positive effort to include fruit, vegetables, cereals and protein in your diet. At the very least, say no to junk food!
ü Vitamins and minerals: Are you taking a folic acid supplement?
ü Rubella: Have you asked your GP to check your immunity to German measles? If you are not immune, ask for an inoculation before you get pregnant
ü Exercise: Are you keeping fit? Regular, gentle exercise will keep you healthy, but don’t embark upon a new and taxing regime
ü Smoking: The best thing you can both do for yourself and your baby is to give up. Have you given up, or tried to cut down?
ü Alcohol: Are you drinking no more than a moderate amount?
ü Drugs and medication: Does your GP know you are planning a pregnancy? Avoid all drugs unless they are prescribed for you by a GP who knows that you are trying for a baby
ü Work environment: If you work in a hazardous environment, have you asked about safety at work or whether you could change jobs while you are trying to conceive?
ü Stress: High stress levels have been linked to infertility, so if you are trying to conceive, cut down on as many stresses in your life as you can. Try a yoga class or relaxation tape to use at home
ü Your GP: A good GP is a very valuable thing, but sometimes you and your health professional just don’t get along. If you feel that a poor relationship is having an impact on your care, then you do have the right to find someone else to look after you