Conception takes place about two weeks before the anticipated first day of your period, so few women are aware that they are pregnant until at least 2-3 weeks later. The foetus is most vulnerable to harmful effects early on in pregnancy, during weeks 3-8, while the organs are being formed.

It is therefore a good idea to behave as if you are pregnant even if you do not yet know for sure whether you are.

MEDICATION AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS

If you are taking regular medication to treat asthma, epilepsy, migraines or problems with your metabolism, for example, you should talk to your doctor about whether you should switch to a different medication or adjust your dose.

You need to be careful with all forms of medication when pregnant. This includes over-the-counter medications as well.

If you suffer from a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or similar, you should talk to your doctor about this before conceiving. It is important for these conditions to be treated with particular care during pregnancy.

You should talk to your doctor if you are not sure whether you might be a carrier of a hereditary disease. Your doctor can tell you about various tests that should be carried out before or during your pregnancy in order to determine whether you or your baby have any genetic defects.

DIET

If you are very overweight, you are at greater risk of diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is therefore a good idea to change your diet and lose weight before conceiving.

ALCOHOL, SMOKING, DRUGS

You should consider your drinking habits when planning a pregnancy. Alcohol can be harmful to the foetus throughout your pregnancy, even before you know whether you are pregnant. The same applies to smoking and taking drugs.

If you have problems giving up these habits during pregnancy, we recommend that you seek help from a doctor or midwife.