Your health can have an impact on the time it takes to conceive, as well as the health of your baby, from conception to birth and beyond. By making these straightforward changes, you can ensure that you're giving your little one the best possible start in life.

Smoking (including passive smoking)

If you or your partner smokes, now is a great time to say goodbye to cigarettes, as even passive smoking can reduce your fertility.

Quitting is also one of the best things you can do to give your baby a healthy start. Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, as well as risking a low birth weight and other problems for the baby during pregnancy and birth. The good news is that if you’re a smoker and you decide to quit today, your baby will immediately start receiving more oxygen and nutrients, right from day one!

Consuming too much caffeine

Experts recommend limiting caffeine when you're trying for a baby, with the recommended dose of caffeine being no more than 200mg (around 2 cups per day) day while trying. This means you can still enjoy your morning ‘cup of joe’, but it's always best to chat to your doctor and see what they recommend!

Drinking alcohol

Drinking can impair your ability to get pregnant so stopping drinking alcohol entirely, or cutting down to about one drink per week is a good idea when you're trying to conceive. After conception, ask your doctor, but most will recommend cutting out drinking altogether for the duration of your pregnancy.

High mercury fish

Eating fish before and during your pregnancy is very good for you as it contains protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for your baby’s development. However, certain types of fish contain more mercury and have been linked with certain adverse pregnancy side effects.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid fish with the highest mercury content, some of which includes swordfish, king mackerel, tuna, chilean sea bass. Instead, opt for cooked salmon, herring or shrimp.

Foods that may contain listeria

Listeriosis is the most common and serious foodborne disease, and pregnant women are particularly at risk among others with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis only results in flu-like symptoms in the mother, but can cause a miscarriage or life-long health issues in an unborn baby. Reduce your risk of contracting listeriosis by avoiding foods at high risk and practice good kitchen hygiene. Some good tips include:

• Avoid over ripened cheese
• Raw (unpasteurized milk)
• Always rinse raw produce before consuming
• Wash kitchen surfaces and hands thoroughly
• Raw meat should be kept at safe temperatures
• Avoid expired products
• Don’t eat raw hot dogs, cold cuts and deli meats

If you’re wondering about other lifestyle changes you want to make, you can always chat to your doctor or a midwife. They’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.

Your doctor can give you a health check up, share information about vaccines and medications, as well as any vitamins they recommend.

Did you start trying recently? Don't miss our helpful guide to getting pregnant.