Preparing to Have a Baby

• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, second hand smoke, recreational drugs and substances
• Avoid using cannabis before or during pregnancy. Learn how to protect yourself. Visit our Cannabis Information for Families webpage.
• Take steps to quit smoking and increase your chances of getting pregnant. Smoking can affect male fertility and increase the length of time it takes a woman to conceive.
• Eat healthy and be active
• Vaccines to consider before and during pregnancy
• Manage stress

To find out when you are most fertile, or when you are most likely to become pregnant, use the HealthLink BC Interactive Tool: When Are You Most Fertile?

It’s good to know the basics about fertility so that you can learn when the time is right for you. Sometimes getting pregnant may be difficult. Infertility or challenges getting pregnant can occur in approximately 15 per cent of women.

Having a baby will change your relationship with your partner. A baby will demand more attention and may cause stress to a relationship.

• Take time to discuss each other’s beliefs and values around raising a child.
• Make a plan for the division of household chores.
• Discuss how each parent can be involved in caring for the baby.
• Work together to plan finances for the arrival of your new baby 
   

Violence, abuse, sexual abuse, and trauma all affect the emotional and physical health of pregnant women.

Domestic abuse, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of threats, physical, sexual, or emotional violence using power and control. It may get worse when you are pregnant or after you have the baby. It is not your fault. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

• Learn about the signs of domestic violence. It can start quite subtly with comments, criticisms, or threats. Learn more at Domestic Violence BC.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, abuse or sexual abuse in a relationship, help is out there. In an emergency, call 911 for the operator and ask for the police.
• Transition houses and safe shelters for women with or without their babies, may also be available in your area. Visit BC Housing: Transition Houses & Safe Homes to learn more.