In collaboration with NHS Lanarkshire’s pre-conception care campaign, it is also essential to highlight the importance of maintaining good health during pregnancy.

Ashley Goodfellow, public health specialist for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Maintaining good health is essential for couples once they conceive for the benefit of both themselves and their baby. Eating well and exercising regularly, along with regular antenatal care, are important for pregnancy.”

There are a number of key messages which NHS Lanarkshire promotes in order to support couples to be in their best physical and mental health during a pregnancy. These include:

• Eating a nutritious diet to support baby’s growth and development;

• Taking a vitamin supplement suitable for pregnancy is important. Prior to, and during pregnancy, women should take a daily supplement of folic acid to support baby’s development in the early weeks. Women should also take a vitamin D supplement through pregnancy and breastfeeding;

• Moderate daily exercise is not only considered safe for pregnant women, it is encouraged and benefits both mum and baby;

• Making good lifestyle choices such as cutting out alcohol and smoking and avoid using drugs as these will have a direct effect on a growing foetus. It will also reduce serious complications throughout pregnancy;

• Besides symptoms that go along with pregnancy, pregnant women are more susceptible to certain infections, such as common cold or flu. It is important to speak to your GP about treatments that are safe to use, should you feel unwell during your pregnancy. The best way to avoid flu is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe for use in pregnancy.

Ashley added: “It is important for couples during pregnancy to attend all their antenatal care check-ups with their midwife as this will help carefully monitor your growing baby throughout your pregnancy. It will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have or raise any concerns you have about your pregnancy.”