·       Smoking. Reduces fertility, causes miscarriages and low birthweight babies.

·       Alcohol and illicit drugs. Even a little can lower fertility and damage your baby.

·       Review all your medications (drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins) with your GP.

·       Have a Pap smear now if you are due.

·       Consider private health insurance.

·       Is there a family history of birth defects?

·       Are you immune to rubella and chickenpox? If not, get vaccinated before pregnancy.

·       Influenza vaccination should be given if you are likely to be pregnant in winter.

·       Whooping cough shots advised for both partners before pregnancy or after birth.

·       Eat a healthy, well balanced diet.

·       Aim for a normal weight to improve fertility and reduce pregnancy complications.

·       Avoid foods which can cause ‘listeriosis’ e.g. pate, or fish with high mercury content.