Being in your optimum health and condition before you become pregnant is good for you and your baby. It's about becoming your healthiest self -- physically and emotionally -- before you take that BIG step into pregnancy. You can get started by making a Preconception Counseling appointment with your health care provider. Here's what to expect: Pregnancy should be something that is desired by the couple (both partners), as this will then be a shared joy and expectation.

You should be stress free, as stress at the home-front or work may delay conception. Discontinue contraceptives if you are on any, and have regular sexual exposures (every other day from the day that you stop your bleeding/ menstruation). Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Implants or the Intra Uterine Device do not delay fertility (you can get pregnant immediately after discontinuation). But the DMPA three monthly injection may delay conception by about 7 – 9 months.

Start folic acid 1 mg daily. Folic acid makes it less likely for your baby to have a neural tube defect, and it's best to start taking it before you conceive Vaccination History – should have taken Rubella injection (if not, it is recommended to take it before considering a pregnancy) Discuss about your sexual and reproductive health life. A violence free environment at home (physical/ psychological) will positively affect your chances of conception and beyond. Have an ideal body mass index between 19 to 23 kg/m2 which supports ovulation in women and also sperm production in males.

Get to know your blood group and your partners as this is very important if there is a mismatch especially if woman is Rh negative and man is positive. Get a Full Blood Count of both partners done to screen for Thalasaemia carriers. If both have issues in the count you can consult a physician and do further test to confirm carrier status. Know your blood sugar status as this may have adverse effects like early loss of pregnancy if undetected and uncontrolled. You will also be advised as to when you should check if you need to confirm pregnancy and when to consult a Gynecologist for further management of pregnancy.

You will also be informed on when you should seek help if you do not get pregnant after trying for some time (if less than 35 years – seek help after trying for one year and if more than 35 years – seek help after trying for 6 months). Within this period, you need to at least have sexual exposures 4/5 times during the week. So, if you are planning on getting pregnant, it is good to seek advice from a medical doctor. This service is available at the Centre for Family (CFH), 37/27 Bullers Lane, Colombo 07. Telephone – 011 2 588 488 (Open during week days from 8.30 am – 4.00 pm. Closed on Poya and Mercantile Holidays)