goodtoknow says: Congratulations! If you've just become pregnant you've got an exciting few months ahead of you. But make sure you get the basics right to keep you and your unborn baby in tip top condition. First start taking folic acid tablets, 0.4mg per day. Don't eat soft cheese, pate or raw fish and limit tea and coffee. If you're feeling sick and exhausted we really sympathise, but it's entirely normal and it will end. Limit alcohol to one or two glasses per week and give up smoking NOW if you haven't already.

If you are not yet pregnant, but are planning a pregnancy, an option is to try a course of NRT before becoming pregnant to help quit cigarettes. Most pregnant women can use NRT. It's important to talk it through with your doctor or midwife first. They can help you to weigh up the risks of continuing to smoke against the benefits of stopping using NRT. Using NRT is safer than smoking because it doesn't contain poisons like tar or carbon monoxide.

For a full medical explanation and advice on planning to become pregnant and pregnancy issues from patient.co.uk, read on.

This leaflet offers some advice to women who are planning to become pregnant, or have just become pregnant. The aim is to reduce the risk of harm to the unborn baby, and to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. There is a summary checklist at the end of the leaflet.

Read on for info about folic acid and alcohol

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