FREE PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY TOOL AIMS TO IMPROVE PREGNANCY HEALTH AND BABY’S FUTURE HEALTH
13 May 2025
Midwives, maternity staff and health professionals are working alongside national baby charity Tommy’s to educate and inform women and birthing people across Coventry and Warwickshire of the importance of looking after themselves and making behaviour changes before pregnancy.
The #AreYouReady campaign will raise awareness of a free Planning for Pregnancy digital tool, which contains all the information those considering having a baby need to know before pregnancy.
The tool provides free personalised results and information based on the answers to a series of questions, ensuring that people have the best possible chance of conceiving.
It includes top tips for planning a pregnancy including staring to take folic acid at least two months before pregnancy, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, aiming for a healthy weight by adopting healthy eating behaviours and staying active, speaking to a GP if taking medication for a mental or physical condition, and taking a daily Vitamin D tablet.
Imogen Staveley, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board said:
“Having a baby is a huge life change and planning your pregnancy can help you feel ready to cope with those changes. However, before women become pregnant, they often don’t talk to health professionals, and many are not aware of about how they can reduce any risks.
“As well as practical things like finances, where you live and your support network, there are several key steps that can be taken before conception to improve fertility, pregnancy health and the baby’s future health.
“This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of planning for pregnancy as a factor in having a safe and healthy pregnancy and will help you work out how to get any information or support you might need.
“There is also a planning for pregnancy hub with lots of information covering a range of topics to help you plan your pregnancy and can also be helpful for partners in preparing for pregnancy or future parenthood.”
For more information, visit tommys.org/planningforpregnancy.