All men and women can benefit from good preconception heath and the following helpful tips can ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for pregnancy.

• Men and women should practice safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy;

• Positive mental health and well-being is important for you and your baby. If you take medication for a mental health problem, speak to your GP or other health professional before becoming pregnant;

• Eating well and achieving a healthy weight is important for fertility (in men and women) and healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes. You should aim to be a healthy weight, which means having a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²;

• Women who are planning a pregnancy, or who may become pregnant, should take a daily folic acid supplement at least one month prior to pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects;

• If you are planning a pregnancy, or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to a minimum;

• Couples who are planning pregnancy or who may become pregnant should stop smoking as this can be harmful to you, your unborn baby and those around you;

• No illegal drugs are safe for use in pregnancy or when planning pregnancy;

• Healthy relationships;

• Being in a healthy and happy relationship before pregnancy is best for you and any children you may have;

• If you are planning pregnancy, or may become pregnant, you should check if you are protected against rubella and all your immunisations are up-to-date.