Existing Health Conditions

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If you have an existing health condition and plan on becoming pregnant, it is advisable that you speak to your GP and/or specialist team at least 3 months before you stop contraception, as some health conditions need careful management to minimise the risk to you and your baby. It is extremely important that you do not stop taking medicine for your existing condition before speaking to a GP.

Click on the buttons below to find out more about the specific conditions in relation to planning a pregnancy.

Diabetes

Speak to your diabetes team if you're planning to get pregnant. They can help you get more stable blood glucose levels and manage it by measuring your HbA1c levels on a monthly basis. Constant high blood glucose levels can harm your baby, especially in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. There's also a risk of having a large baby, which can cause complications during labour.

You'll need to take a high dose (5mg) of folic acid every day from when you start trying to get pregnant until you're 12 weeks pregnant. You need a higher dose than those without diabetes and you can get this on prescription.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

If you have a history of high blood pressure (also called hypertension) you should seek support from your GP or specialist before getting pregnant. It is important that they have the opportunity to review you and optimise your blood pressure prior to conceiving, as women with high blood pressure can be at increased risk of developing other pregnancy induced conditions, such as pre-eclampsia.

If you take medication to control your blood pressure, this may need to be changed or adapted whilst trying to conceive and during your pregnancy. You should not stop taking your medication before speaking to your GP, who will advise you about this whilst you plan for a pregnancy.

Should you become pregnant, both you and your blood pressure will be monitored throughout your pregnancy and you may be offered a pregnancy specific blood pressure monitor to use at home.

Heart Disease

Women with heart disease need specialist support in their pregnancy. For some, it might mean having your baby in a hospital with additional resources to care for you and keep you safe. If you have heart disease, you should visit your GP or heart specialist before stopping contraception. They will be able to speak to you about:

how your heart condition might impact on your pregnancy
how your pregnancy might affect your heart condition
your medication – including adapting your medication if required. Do not stop taking medication without speaking to your doctor.

Epilepsy

If you are epileptic and planning a pregnancy, you should continue your contraception until you have spoken with your GP or specialist/specialist nurse. This is because they will help you understand and avoid any risks and plan for a healthy pregnancy and baby. There are some epileptic medications which are not safe for pregnancy so the doctors may wish to change your medication whilst you are trying to conceive. It is very important you do not stop taking your medication before you have spoken to your GP.

BMI over 30

If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30, you'll need to take a high dose (5mg) of folic acid every day from when you start trying to get pregnant until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Please speak with your GP, who will advise you about this whilst you plan for a pregnancy.

To find out more about how to achieve a healthy diet and to get local support, please contact our Positive Image, Motivation and Support (PIMS) in pregnancy service.

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