You will need to prepare for pregnancy by taking extra folic acid from the time you start trying to conceive right up until you re 12 weeks pregnant. Choose foods that contain this important vitamin such as green, leafy vegetables and breakfast cereals and breads with added folic acid. You can get these tablets from a supermarket or pharmacist. If you already have a baby with spina bifida, if you have coeliac disease or take anti-epileptic drugs, ask your GP for more advice, since you will need to take a bigger dose of folic acid. Things to think about Here are some things that are worth doing before having your next baby.
Rubella can badly damage a baby during pregnancy.
If you were not already immune you should have been offered immunisation immediately after your baby was born. Before trying for another baby, think about having a blood test to check that you are immune to rubella. Women with low or uncertain levels of antibodies can be immunised again. If either of you has a chronic illness or disability and has to take long-term medication, talk to your doctor in advance of pregnancy about any possible effects on fertility or pregnancy. It may be possible to cut down the dosage.