Getting ready for pregnancy
Simple, practical steps that improve your health and your baby's health before you fall pregnant.
- See a nurse or doctor before you conceive if you have a long-term condition or take regular medicine
- Start folic acid before falling pregnant and continue for the first three months
- Stop alcohol and smoking, and avoid medicines that have not been prescribed for you
- Have your blood pressure, HIV status and immunisations checked
Falling pregnant in good health gives your baby the best possible start. If you are planning a pregnancy, it helps to see a nurse or doctor before you conceive so that long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, HIV or thyroid problems are well controlled, and so that any medicines you take can be reviewed.
Folic acid is important. It lowers the chance of problems with the baby's brain and spine, and it works best when you start it before you fall pregnant and continue through the first three months.
Look at the everyday things too: stopping smoking and alcohol, eating a mixed diet with iron-rich foods, being active most days, and reaching a healthier weight if you can. If you would rather not fall pregnant yet, contraception is free at public clinics in South Africa.
This page is general information. Your clinic can advise on what is right for your own health.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.