Open Splash

Your preconception checklist

Folic acid, jabs, smear and meds – the boring-but-brilliant prep.

Fertility & TTC5 min read

Written by the Splash teamSources checked

On this page 4 sections
  1. Quick answer
  2. 1. Start folic acid now
  3. 2. The rest of the list
  4. Sources

Quick answer

  • Take 400 mcg folic acid daily from before trying until 12 weeks pregnant.
  • Add vitamin D, check MMR, smear and STI status.
  • Review medicines with a GP – don’t stop them on your own.
  • Some people need a higher 5mg dose on prescription.

Getting ready for pregnancy is a bit like packing for a big trip – a few small things now make everything smoother later. Here’s the NHS-backed list.

1. Start folic acid now

Take a 400 microgram [[folic-acid]] supplement every day while trying, and keep going until you’re 12 weeks pregnant. It helps protect against neural tube defects like spina bifida, and it needs to be in your system before you conceive – so start before you stop contraception if you can.

400 mcg
Daily folic acid recommended from before pregnancy until 12 weeksSee sources

2. The rest of the list

  • Vitamin D supplement (the NHS recommends it when trying and in pregnancy)
  • Check you’ve had the MMR vaccine – ask your GP if unsure
  • Book your cervical screening if it’s due
  • Get an STI test if there’s any chance you or your partner have one
  • Review medicines (including herbal ones) with a GP – but don’t stop prescribed meds without advice
  • On a weight-loss or diabetes injection (a GLP-1 medicine)? The MHRA says to stop semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) at least 2 months, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) at least 1 month, before trying to conceive. Talk to your prescriber first.
  • Stop smoking and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
  • Aim for a healthy weight – too low or too high can make conceiving harder
  • Talk to your GP if you have a condition like diabetes, epilepsy or thyroid issues
MythA balanced diet gives you all the folate you need.
Fact

Leafy greens help, but it’s hard to get enough from food alone – that’s why a supplement is recommended.

Quick quizWhen should you start folic acid?
  1. Once you get a positive test
  2. Before you start trying
  3. At your 12-week scan
Show the answer

B. Before you start trying

Folic acid works best when started before conception and continued to 12 weeks.

Sources

  1. NHS – Trying to get pregnant
  2. NHS – B vitamins and folic acid
  3. Tommy’s – Planning a pregnancy
  4. MHRA – GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know

Written by the Splash teamSources checked

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.

Plain-text version