Herefordshire and Worcestershire maternity staff aiming to show importance of pregnancy planning
NHS staff across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are working together to show women how to make any behaviour changes before pregnancy
Last updated 26th May 2025
A Worcestershire GP is urging women to talk to healthcare professionals before pregnancy to understand how they can reduce any health risks.
NHS staff say they are working alongside national baby charity Tommy’s to educate and inform women and birthing people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire of the importance of looking after themselves and making behaviour changes before pregnancy.
Midwives, maternity staff and health professionals in both counties are highlighting a pregnancy tool which informs people planning a pregnancy on how they can prepare.
The tool aims to give advice to those planning a pregnancy, including staring to take folic acid at least two months before pregnancy, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, aiming for a healthy weight by adopting healthy eating behaviours and staying active.
Dr Louise Bramble is a GP and chair of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire local maternity and neonatal system, she says having this information to hand and knowing how to pre-pregnancy planning is so important.
She said: "Having a baby is a huge life change and planning your pregnancy can help you feel ready to cope with those changes.
"Before women become pregnant, they don’t often talk to health professionals and many are not aware of how they can reduce any risks, if you are thinking of having a baby, we want to make sure you have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
“It's important to inform women and birthing people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire of the importance of looking after themselves and helping them to know what behaviour changes they can make before pregnancy to ensure that them and their baby are as healthy as possible.”