Whilst there is absolutely no reason to have serious concerns about your health before you start trying for a baby, there are some really very common and not always apparent sexually transmitted infections which might hamper your chances.
Being aware of your own body
Chlamydia, for example, can be carried and passed on without you knowing anything about it and hang around for years if untreated. It affects men and women and can prevent successful conception.
Other diseases may affect the health of your baby once you are pregnant and, whilst you will have blood tests once you 'book in' with a midwife, it is far better for you, your partner and any future baby if you get yourself checked out before you have unprotected sex.
Do you think you are at risk?
The groups of highest concern are those who were highly sexually active between 16 and 24, those who have had more than four sexual partners, and those who have had other forms of sex (eg anal sex or used sex toys for anal sex). Drug use or a history of previous infection are also worth taking into account.
Get it checked out
These are by no means a reason to believe you will not be able to have a happy pregnancy and a healthy baby. If they were, the population would be greatly smaller than it is today!
However, it is pretty easy to either get checked out via your GP or discreetly through a walk-in clinic.
All GPs receptions should be able to give you a number for a nearby sexual health clinic without you having to give your name when you phone them, and whilst the clinic will want some details from you, there is an emphasis on your privacy. The website of your local general hospital may also provide details of the nearest sexual health clinic.
Want to know more?
The pregnancy charity Tommy's have some great pre-pregnancy advice on their website as their whole outlook is geared toward getting you and your child safely through pregnancy and birth.
