Planning a Pregnancy

If you are planning to get pregnant, there are things to consider before you stop using contraception.

If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s a good time to take stock of your overall health and lifestyle. There are things you can do now before trying for a pregnancy, that can affect your fertility and make your pregnancy and baby healthier.

You should talk to your doctor about any pre-existing health conditions, medications or past pregnancy problems before stopping contraception. There are specialist clinics available for women who may need extra support before and during pregnancy.

You can use this online tool from Tommy’s to help you plan for a safe and healthy pregnancy along with the advice below.

More information about how to safely plan your pregnancy, and the support available, can be found here.

_{*A 400 microgram dose is recommended (some women may need a higher 5mg dose e.g. if your BMI is 30 or above, or you have epilepsy or diabetes)}

Think you might be pregnant already?

Symptoms of pregnancy can include missing a period, feeling sick and sore breasts. If you think you might be pregnant then you should get this confirmed with a simple urine test. You can buy one yourself (at a pharmacy or shop) or ask your GP to do one for you.

If the test is positive, you should have an appointment with your local midwife. You can call the NHS Lothian Maternity Booking Service 0300 7900 628 to arrange this. We do not provide antenatal care in our clinics at Chalmers Centre.

If you have questions or concerns during your early weeks of pregnancy, you can speak to your GP. More information about what to expect during pregnancy, labour and the early weeks after birth can be can be found in the NHS Scotland ‘Ready, Steady, Baby!’ guide.