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Long term health conditions and medications

Long-term health conditions, also known as chronic conditions, can have a major impact on fertility, pregnancy, and the health of both the mother and child.

If a person has a chronic condition like Diabetes, Hypertension (high blood pressure), or Asthma, managing it before pregnancy is key to improving health outcomes.

Advise them to work with their healthcare provider to ensure their condition is under control before they conceive.

Managing long term conditions

Managing these conditions before becoming pregnant is key to improving health outcomes.

Messages for healthcare professionals to share:

  • contact healthcare early - advise women and pregnant people to contact their doctor or midwife as soon as they find out they're pregnant
  • plan ahead - for those planning pregnancy, it’s essential to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma before conceiving - encourage them to work with their healthcare provider to ensure their condition is under control
  • medication safety - advise patients to consult their doctor or healthcare provider about the safety of their medications during pregnancy. They should not stop any medications without medical advice

For further information, visit the East Midlands Maternal Medicine Network for more details on pre-pregnancy care.

Medications and preconception care

People with chronic conditions often take medications that may not be safe during pregnancy.

Reviewing and adjusting these medications is is a crucial step in preconception care.

Messages for healthcare professionals to share:

  • medication review - before trying to conceive, individuals should review all medications (including their partner's) with their healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for pregnancy - some medications may need to be changed or adjusted to lower the risk of birth defects or complications
  • do not stop medication without advice - patients should be advised not to stop taking any medications without consulting a healthcare professional

Genetics and preconception health

Some health conditions can be inherited. People with a personal or family history of genetic conditions may benefit from genetic screening and counselling to better understand how genetics could affect their fertility and the health of their future children.

Messages for healthcare professionals to share:

  • genetic screening - encourage individuals with a family history of inherited conditions to seek guidance from their doctor or consultant - genetic screening and counselling may be recommended for those at risk

Neural tube defects (NTDs)

NTDs are serious birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that occur early in pregnancy, often before people know they are pregnant. These defects come from the improper closure of the neural tube during embryonic development.

Messages for professionals to share:

  • folic acid - It is recommended taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily as it can prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine
  • It's important to start taking folic acid everyday at least a month before planning to get pregnant

Folic acid is used to:

  • treat or prevent folate deficiency anaemia
  • help your baby's brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly in pregnancy, to avoid development problems such as spina bifida

Folic acid is the synthetic version of the vitamin folate, also known as vitamin B9. Folate helps the body make healthy red blood cells and is found in certain foods. Read more about folic acid at the NHS.

Healthy Start vitamins (containing folic acid and vitamin D) are available for pregnant women and people through the Healthy Start scheme.