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Having a baby

If you and your partner want to have a baby, your partner should:

  • Give up smoking
  • Drink no more than 1 or 2 units of alcohol, once to twice a week and avoid getting drunk (1 unit = half a pint of ordinary strength lager, beer or cider, or a 25ml pub measure of spirit or a small glass of wine)
  • Take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement every day.

For more information

Ask your doctor for the leaflet ‘Folic Acid - What All Women Should Know’ or ring the Health Information Service free on 0800 665544.

You can help by stopping smoking with your partner and cutting down how much alcohol you drink too.

It can take many months to get pregnant. If you and your partner have been trying for a baby for one year or longer, see your doctor for advice. One in six couples have fertility problems. There are many causes of infertility, some of which can be treated.

If you or your partner have had health problems which might affect your chances of having a baby it is a good idea to see your doctor before you begin trying for a baby.