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The PrePregnancy Planner

This tool can help you to start thinking about your plan for pregnancy.

If you have a partner, they can use it too. Ideally, both men and women should complete the assessment. The PrePregnancy Planner is for you - whether you are hoping to get pregnant soon, or ‘someday’ in the future. It’s never too early to start planning!

This planner is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace advice from, or assessment by, a regulated healthcare provider (Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife etc.). It is strongly recommended that you discuss the results of this tool with your healthcare provider. In some cases, healthcare providers may suggest that women wait a period of time before trying to get pregnant

Why is this important?
Some medications and vaccinations require that you wait several months before getting pregnant. If you’ve just had a baby and you are planning your next pregnancy, your healthcare provider may suggest you wait a while before getting pregnant again. Discuss your health goals with your healthcare provider to create a plan that’s right for you.

Please note: The information you enter in The PrePregnancy Planner is not saved, stored or shared.

Start Planning

Question # Remaining

  • Do you have a healthcare provider?
    (E.g., Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife etc.)
    Why is this important?
    Seeing a healthcare provider before you start trying to get pregnant is advised. It is also recommended to have regular prenatal care when you are pregnant.

    Whether your healthcare provider (e.g., Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife etc.) offers prenatal care. If they do not, talk with them about your options for regular health care during pregnancy.
    Seeing a healthcare provider before you start trying to get pregnant is advised. It is also recommended to have regular prenatal care when you are pregnant. Learn more about prenatal care providers.
    London Health Sciences Centre
    The College of Midwives of Ontario
    The Fertility Clinic
    The Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of Canada
    Call Health Connection for help with finding a healthcare provider (e.g., Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife etc.) in London & Middlesex at (519) 850-2280.
    Seeing a healthcare provider before you start trying to get pregnant is advised. It is also recommended to have regular prenatal care when you are pregnant. Learn more about prenatal care providers.
    London Health Sciences Centre
    The College of Midwives of Ontario
    The Fertility Clinic
    The Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of Canada

  • Do you know the factors that may affect a woman’s or a man’s fertility (ability to get pregnant)?
    Why is this important?
    It is important to understand how your lifestyle can affect your ability to get pregnant. New research is emerging regularly; discuss this with your healthcare provider.

    Sometimes new information about fertility is available. Learn more about how you can protect your fertility.
    You may not have thought much about your fertility in the past. Or, if you are planning a pregnancy, maybe you’ve thought a lot about it. For women: your general health, age, weight, and other lifestyle factors can impact your fertility. Keep a calendar of your menstrual cycle as this will help you know if something is not quite right. It will also help you talk to your healthcare provider about planning a pregnancy. For men: your general health, age, weight, and other lifestyle factors can impact your fertility.
    Learn more about how you can protect your fertility.
    You may not have thought much about your fertility in the past. Or, if you are planning a pregnancy, maybe you’ve thought a lot about it. For women: your general health, age, weight, and other lifestyle factors can impact your fertility. Keep a calendar of your menstrual cycle as this will help you know if something is not quite right. It will also help you talk to your healthcare provider about planning a pregnancy. For men: your general health, age, weight, and other lifestyle factors can impact your fertility.

  • Have you been pregnant before?
    Why is this important?
    It is important that your healthcare provider knows about all of your past pregnancies, including miscarriages, abortions and stillbirths.

    Your past pregnancies.
    It is important that your healthcare provider knows about all of your past pregnancies, including miscarriages, abortions and stillbirths. People considering another pregnancy after a loss can face special challenges. If you have had a pregnancy loss and think it might be helpful to get support, call the Health Connection, at 519-850-2280, to speak to a Public Health Nurse about where you can get help.
    N/A

  • Are you or your partner using birth control right now?
    (E.g., condoms, ‘the pill’, Depo-Provera, IUD)
    Why is this important?
    Using birth control, until you are ready to start trying for pregnancy, is an important part of your plan.

    The birth control that you are using.
    Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you have to wait to start trying for pregnancy, after you stop birth control. It is possible to get pregnant right away when you stop using birth control. However, some types of birth control do take longer to leave your body than others. You may need to wait a few months and use a backup form of birth control until your period returns and your menstrual cycle regulates.
    Birth control.
    Using birth control until you are ready to start trying for pregnancy is an important part of your plan. If you are not ready for pregnancy now, visit your healthcare provider or stop by The Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit to talk about your choices for birth control. Also, find out when you should stop using birth control once you are ready to try for pregnancy. It is possible to get pregnant right away when you stop using birth control.

  • Have you been taking a multivitamin with at least 0.4mg of folic acid every day for at least 3 months before trying for pregnancy?
    Why is this important?
    Taking folic acid supplements for at least 3 months before pregnancy, and in early pregnancy, is important for the development of your baby’s eyesight, spine and brain. Taking a folic acid supplement and eating a diet rich in folate can prevent neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord). These defects happen in the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows that she is pregnant.

    Protecting your baby from neural tube defects by taking a multivitamin with folic acid.
    All women who could become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should eat a diet rich in folate. They should also take a daily multivitamin containing at least 0.4 mg of folic acid (400 µg), but no more than 1 mg, for at least 3 months before getting pregnant. Talk to your health care provider because some women do benefit from taking more.
    Folic acid.
    All women who could become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should eat a diet rich in folate. They should also take a daily multivitamin containing at least 0.4 mg of folic acid (400 µg), but no more than 1 mg, for at least 3 months before getting pregnant. Talk to your health care provider because some women do benefit from taking more.

  • Have you and your partner ever been tested or treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
    (E.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, Hepatitis, herpes, HIV, syphilis)
    why is this important?
    Some STI’s can affect your ability to get pregnant or cause problems in your pregnancy.

    Getting tested for STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
    You can have an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and not even know it. Some STI’s can affect your ability to get pregnant or cause problems in your pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about you and your partner getting tested before you get pregnant. The Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Clinic is a drop-in clinic, which offers a safe, confidential atmosphere where you can receive free testing and treatment of STIs for you and your partner(s).
    Getting tested for STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
    You can have an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and not even know it. Some STI’s can affect your ability to get pregnant or cause problems in your pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about you and your partner getting tested before you get pregnant. The Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Clinic is a drop-in clinic, which offers a safe, confidential atmosphere where you can receive free testing and treatment of STIs for you and your partner(s).

  • Are all your vaccines (shots) up-to-date?
    [E.g., MMR (meases, mumps, rubella), Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Tetanus, Influenza (flu shot), HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)]
    Why is this important?
    It is recommended that you have all your shots up-to-date before you start trying to get pregnant. After some immunizations, you may need to wait several months before getting pregnant.

    Keeping your immunizations up-to-date.
    After some immunizations, you may need to wait several months before getting pregnant. To speak to a Public Health Nurse about your immunizations, contact the immunization clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
    Your vaccinations
    The right shot at the right time can help keep you healthy before and during your pregnancy and help keep your baby from getting sick or having health problems. Some shots are best given before you become pregnant, some are okay during pregnancy and some are given after birth. It is recommended that you have all your shots up-to-date before you start trying to get pregnant. After some immunizations, you may need to wait several months before getting pregnant. To speak to a Public Health Nurse about your immunizations, contact the immunization clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

  • Do you or your partner drink any alcohol?
    Why is this important?
    Drinking alcohol can impact fertility for both women and men. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause brain damage and birth defects (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

    Stop drinking before you become pregnant. Help is available if you can’t stop drinking on your own. Talk to your healthcare provider, or call the Health Connection to speak to a Public Health Nurse (519-850-2280).
    Drinking alcohol can impact fertility for both women and men. There is no safe time, no safe type and no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause brain damage and birth defects (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) If you are concerned about your drinking, talk to your health-care provider or go online to assess your drinking www.checkyourdrinking.net.
    Protecting yourself and your baby from the harmful effects of alcohol.
    Drinking alcohol can impact fertility for both women and men. There is no safe time, no safe type and no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause brain damage and birth defects (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

  • Do you and/or your partner smoke cigarettes (or use tobacco)?
    Why is this important?
    Smoking (for men and women) can make it harder for you to get pregnant. Smoking puts you at risk of having a miscarriage or a less healthy baby.

    Getting help to quit smoking
    Smoking (for men and women) can make it harder for you to get pregnant.Smoking puts you at risk of having a miscarriage or or a baby that is born too small or too early. It is best to stop smoking before becoming pregnant. Your healthcare provider can help you find ways to stop smoking. Second hand smoke can lead to respiratory problems and an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) – make your home smoke free!
    Being smoke-free
    Don’t forget that second hand smoke can lead to respiratory problems and an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) – make your home smoke free!

  • Do you take any medications?
    (E.g., prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements or alternative medicines)
    why is this important?
    It is important that your healthcare provider knows all the medications and supplements that you are taking. Some medications are not safe to take during pregnancy.

    The prescription, over-the-counter, and/or herbal or alternative medications and/or supplements you are taking:
    It is important that your healthcare provider knows all the medications and supplements that you are taking. Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medications or supplements. Some medications are not safe to take during pregnancy.
    Remember to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.
    Some medications are not safe to take during pregnancy.

  • Do you or your partner use marijuana and/or street drugs?
    why is this important?
    Using street drugs is risky for everyone and especially during pregnancy.

    Your drug use and ways to reduce your risks in pregnancy.
    Using street drugs is risky for everyone and and especially during pregnancy. Street drugs can cause a pregnancy loss. Help is available if you cannot stop using on your own.
    Being drug-free.

  • Do you eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat milk products and lean meats and alternatives every day or most days?
    Why is this important?
    Your body needs many vitamins and minerals from a variety of foods to build a healthy baby. Canada’s Food Guide recommends that you eat a wide variety of foods from all the food groups every day. It is important that your healthcare provider knows if you avoid one or more food groups for any reason (allergy, intolerance, personal choice etc.).

    Making healthy food choices.
    Your body needs many vitamins and minerals to build a healthy baby. Foods have nutrients in different amounts, so it’s good to eat a wide variety from all food groups (Canada’s Food Guide). If you avoid one or more food groups for any reason (allergy, intolerance, medical condition, personal choice) talk to your health care provider about whether you are getting all the nutrients you need. You can speak to a dietitian about nutrition and healthy eating at Eat Right Ontario.
    Food choices and healthy eating. You can also speak to a registered dietitian about nutrition and healthy eating at Eat Right Ontario
    Your body needs many vitamins and minerals to build a healthy baby. Foods have nutrients in different amounts, so it’s good to eat a wide variety from all food groups (Canada’s Food Guide). If you avoid one or more food groups for any reason (allergy, intolerance, medical condition, personal choice) talk to your health care provider about whether you are getting all the nutrients you need. You can speak to a dietitian about nutrition and healthy eating at Eat Right Ontario.

  • Do you know about the foods to avoid, safe food handling and safe food storage during pregnancy?
    Why is this important?
    Pregnant women, and women who could become pregnant, need to pay special attention to safe food handling and storage. There are some foods that pregnant women should avoid eating (e.g., unpasteurized (raw) milk products, deli meats, raw sprouts, etc.).

    Continue to avoid eating high-risk foods. Learn more about safe food handling.
    Certain bacteria can be harmful to an unborn baby (i.e., listeria). It is recommended that pregnant women do not eat raw or undercooked meat, fish, eggs, soft cheeses, raw sprouts, and unpasteurized milk and juices. Pregnant women also need to pay special attention to food safety and storage.
    Learn more about which foods you need to avoid when you are pregnant. Make sure you know how to handle food safely.
    Certain bacteria can be harmful to an unborn baby (i.e., listeria). It is recommended that pregnant women do not eat raw or undercooked meat, fish, eggs, soft cheeses, raw sprouts, and unpasteurized milk and juices. Pregnant women also need to pay special attention to food safety.

  • Are you concerned about your risk of exposure to infectious diseases?
    (E.g., germs, bacteria and viruses that make people sick)
    Why is this important?
    There are many viruses and infections that may harm an unborn baby and affect your ability to get pregnant. If you work with children or sick people, you may be at increased risk for infections. Caring for certain pets (e.g. cats) and some farm animals can also increase your risk.

    Ways to protect yourself from getting sick from infectious diseases.
    There are many viruses and infections that can affect an unborn baby, including: German measles (rubella), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and parvovirus (Fifth’s Disease). Make sure your vaccines are up-to-date to lower your risk of getting some infectious diseases. There are also many types of viruses and bacteria that can’t be stopped by vaccines. Cats spread toxoplasma - a parasite that can harm unborn babies - in their feces (poop). Cats often poop in gardens and sand boxes. Have someone else clean your cat’s litter box while you are trying to get pregnant and during your pregnancy. Wear gloves when you garden or do anything outdoors that involves handling soil. Washing your hands is the best way to avoid many of these infections.
    Wash your hands!
    There are many viruses and infections that can affect an unborn baby, including: German measles (rubella), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and parvovirus (Fifth’s Disease). Make sure your vaccines are up-to-date to lower your risk of getting some infectious diseases. There are also many types of viruses and bacteria that can’t be stopped by vaccines. Cats spread toxoplasma - a parasite that can harm unborn babies - in their feces (poop). Cats often poop in gardens and sand boxes. Have someone else clean your cat’s litter box while you are trying to get pregnant and during your pregnancy. Wear gloves when you garden or do anything outdoors that involves handling soil. Washing your hands is the best way to avoid many of these infections.

  • Are you or your partner exposed to harm where you live, work or play?
    (E.g., x-rays, harmful chemicals, gases, fumes, loud noise, heavy vibration, extreme temperature, unsafe water)
    Why is this important?
    Exposures to harmful substances can lead to miscarriages, birth defects, and fertility problems in both men and women. Examples of harmful chemicals that can cause problems with fertility and pregnancy include: heavy metals, solvents, lead, mercury and pesticides.

    Learn more about how to protect yourself from harmful exposures. If you think you are at risk, talk to your healthcare provider.
    Being exposed to toxic substances can lead to miscarriages and birth defects, and fertility problems in both men and women. Know about your risk of exposure where you live, work and play. Talk to your employer about ways you can be safer while you are trying to get pregnant and/or are pregnant. Unsafe drinking water or unsafe recreational water can make you sick. If you use private well water, it is suggested that you have your water tested for bacteria 3 times per year. If you concerned about the safety of your water (e.g., lead pipes, chemicals), use a known safe source.
    Make sure you are aware of any new information about environmental hazards. Know about your risk of exposure where you live, work and play.
    Exposures to toxic substances can lead to miscarriages and birth defects, and fertility problems in both men and women. Unsafe drinking water or unsafe recreational water can make you sick. If you use private well water, it is suggested that you have your water tested for bacteria 3 times per year. If you concerned about the safety of your water (e.g., lead pipes, chemicals), use a known safe source.

  • Do you get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity?
    Why is this important?
    Adults aged 18-64 should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week (in bouts of 10 minutes or more). Women who are physically active are better prepared for the physical demands of pregnancy and birth.

    Being physically active.
    Women who are physically active are better prepared for the physical demands of pregnancy and birth. When you are pregnant, you and your healthcare provider should complete the PARmed-X for PREGNANCY before you take part in a prenatal fitness class or other exercise, even if you have been active before getting pregnant. If you want to try something different, Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines can help you decide the type of activity that is right for you.
    Get moving!
    If you are ready to start being more active there are resources that can help you. Call the Health Connection at 519-850-2280 to talk to a Public Health Nurse. Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines can help you decide the type of activity that is right for you. Women who are physically active are better prepared for the physical demands of pregnancy and birth. When you are pregnant, your healthcare provider and you should complete the PARmed-X for PREGNANCY before you take part in a prenatal fitness class or other exercise.

  • For women: Is your BMI within 18.5 – 24.9? Calculate your BMI using a recent height and weight measurement.
    Why is this important?
    Body weight before and during pregnancy affects the health of you and your baby. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that relates body weight to height and is used to measure whether a person is at a healthy weight.

    Maintaining a healthy body weight
    For women, Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5-24.9 before pregnancy can reduce your chance of having problems during pregnancy, and increase your chances of getting pregnant. For men, being underweight or overweight can affect your fertility.
    Achieving a healthy body weight before you get pregnant
    Achieving a BMI between 18.5 - 24.9 before pregnancy can increase your chances of getting pregnant, and reduce your chance of having problems during pregnancy. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy. The recommended amount of weight that you gain during pregnancy is based on your Body Mass Index (BMI) before pregnancy. For men, being underweight or overweight can affect your fertility.

  • Do you or your partner have any medical conditions?
    (E.g., thyroid condition, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease etc.)
    why is this important?
    Pregnancy can cause changes to your condition and affect your medications.

    Management of your current medical conditions.
    Pregnancy can cause changes to your condition and affect your medications. If you have any chronic medical problems, such as diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about making sure you have good control over your condition before you get pregnant. If you are taking medications for your chronic condition, talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of staying on your medication while you are trying to get pregnant, and during pregnancy.
    If you haven’t had a physical check-up in a while, now is the time!

  • Are you aware of any medical and genetic conditions that may run in your family?
    Why is this important?
    Health problems that are genetic can be passed on through families.

    Your family health history.
    Health problems that are genetic can be passed on through families. You may want to talk to a genetics counsellor before planning a pregnancy if you have a family history of cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sach’s, Down syndrome or other birth defects.
    Find out if your immediate family has any medical or genetic conditions.
    Health problems that are genetic can be passed on through families. You may want to talk to a genetics counsellor before planning a pregnancy if you have a family history of cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sach’s, Down syndrome or other birth defects.

  • Do you have a dentist?
    why is this important?
    Your dental health is an important part of your overall health and can affect your pregnancy.

    If you haven’t had a dental check-up lately, now is the time! Tell your dentist if there is a chance you could be pregnant.
    Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to health problems for you and your baby. Brushing and flossing every day, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
    Find a dentist near you. You can search online or in the yellow pages. Most dentists will accept new patients.
    Make an appointment with your dentist before you get pregnant. Tell your dentist if there is a chance you could be pregnant. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to health problems for you and your baby. Brushing and flossing every day, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

  • Have you or your partner experienced depression, anxiety, or a mental illness?
    why is this important?
    A history of depression or anxiety can increase your risk of developing depression or anxiety during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your baby. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

    Your mental health history and how you are coping now.
    A history of depression or anxiety can increase your risk of developing depression or anxiety during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your baby. Talk to your health care provider to see what medications you can continue to take, or not take, when trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications.
    Understand the symptoms of depression.
    Being a mom or dad can bring many joys – but also many challenges. One in ten women suffers from bouts of depression during pregnancy. Learn the signs and symptoms of depression and see your healthcare provider if you have concerns. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications.

  • Have you considered your age when making your family plan?
    why is this important?
    As men and women get older, health conditions that can cause fertility problems are more likely. Pregnancies in women over 35 years old have been associated with more risks for both mom and baby.

    Consider your age and how many children you would like to have when you are making your family plan.
    Did you know? 91% of women can get pregnant at age 30, 77% by age 35, and 53% by age 40. As men and women get older, health conditions that can cause fertility problems are more likely. Pregnancies in women over 35 years old have been associated with more risks for both mom and baby. There is no ‘magic’ age that is best for pregnancy. Your age is one of many factors to consider when you are making the plan that is best for you.
    Consider your age and how many children you would like to have when you are making your family plan.
    Did you know? 91% of women can get pregnant at age 30, 77% by age 35, and 53% by age 40. As men and women get older, health conditions that can cause fertility problems are more likely. Pregnancies in women over 35 years old have been associated with more risks for both mom and baby. There is no ‘magic’ age that is best for pregnancy. Your age is one of many factors to consider when you are making the plan that is best for you.

  • Do you feel financially ready for a new baby?
    why is this important?
    It costs money to raise a child! Are you ready to budget for those extra expenses (e.g., childcare, car seat, diapers, food, etc.)?

    Review your financial situation, and if you have a partner, discuss your financial situation together.
    It costs money to raise a child! Are you ready to budget for those extra expenses (e.g., childcare, car seat, diapers, food, etc.)? Consider your income, time off from work and the benefits you may qualify for when thinking about a parental leave.
    Review your financial situation, and if you have a partner, discuss your financial situation together.
    It costs money to raise a child! Are you ready to budget for those extra expenses (e.g., childcare, car seat, diapers, food, etc.)? Consider your income, time off from work and the benefits you may qualify for when thinking about a parental leave.

  • Are you confident that you can create a safe home for a baby?
    why is this important?
    You may want to consider your environment and what changes you need to make before getting pregnant.

    Creating a safe environment for a baby.
    Babies don’t need a lot of “stuff” but they need a safe place to call home, and unconditional love. Make sure you consider your neighborhood, hazards in your home and other people that live with you before you think about becoming pregnant. Moving during a pregnancy or with a new baby can be very stressful. Renovating during a pregnancy is not recommended.
    Consider your environment and what changes you need to make before getting pregnant.
    Babies don’t need a lot of “stuff” but they need a safe place to call home, and unconditional love. Make sure you consider your neighborhood, hazards in your home and other people that live with you before you think about becoming pregnant. Moving during a pregnancy or with a new baby can be very stressful. Renovating during a pregnancy is not recommended.

  • Do you have strong, supportive relationships with your partner, friends and family?
    why is this important?
    Being a mom or dad can bring many joys - but also many challenges. Becoming parents may bring stress into your relationship. One of the best things you can give your child is strong supportive relationships with your partner, your family, and your friends.

    Having healthy relationships with a circle of support.
    Becoming a parent is a life-changing event. One of the best things you can give your child is strong supportive relationships with your partner, your family, and your friends. Healthy relationships are important during pregnancy and set the stage for healthy parenting.
    Abuse often starts or gets worse during pregnancy. There is support.You are not alone. Speak to your healthcare provider or call Health Connection (519-850-2280) to learn about the resources and supports in London and Middlesex County.
    If you have concerns about a relationship, speak to your healthcare provider or call Health Connection (519-850-2280) to learn about the resources and supports in your community. Whether you are single or in a relationship, make sure you have lots of support people that you can trust.
    Becoming a parent is a life-changing event. One of the best things you can give your child is strong supportive relationships with your partner, your family, and your friends. Healthy relationships are important during pregnancy and set the stage for healthy parenting. Abuse often starts or gets worse during pregnancy. There is support .You are not alone. Speak to your healthcare provider or call Health Connection (519-850-2280) to learn about the resources and supports in London and Middlesex County.

  • Do you feel physically and emotionally ready to have children?
    why is this important?
    If you are planning to become pregnant, this is the time to start thinking through the idea of parenting and to begin preparing for parenthood.

    Make sure you have a circle of support in place (e.g. Friends, family co-workers, neighbours etc.). If you have a partner, talk about parenthood.
    If you are planning to become pregnant, this is the time to start thinking through the idea of parenting and to begin preparing for parenthood. Women with good support networks feel less depressed during pregnancy and after birth. Having lots of support can lower your stress during pregnancy, improve your sense of wellbeing, and make it easier to avoid unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and alcohol use. Talk to your partner and your other support people about your relationships, your goals and how a child will impact your future. Talk to family and friends about their parenting challenges and rewards.
    Make sure you have a circle of support in place (e.g. Friends, family co-workers, neighbours etc.). If you have a partner, talk about parenthood and if/when you might be ready to have a child.
    Before planning to become pregnant is the best time to start thinking about the idea of parenting and to begin preparing for parenthood. Women with good support networks feel less depressed during pregnancy and after birth. Having lots of support can lower your stress during pregnancy, improve your sense of wellbeing, and make it easier to avoid unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and alcohol use. Talk to your partner and your other support people about your relationships, your goals and how a child will impact your future. Talk to family and friends about their parenting challenges and rewards.

  • Do you have concerns about you and/or your partner’s fertility?
    why is this important?
    There are many reasons why people may be concerned about their fertility. Use this tool to speak to your healthcare provider. It’s never too early to start planning!

    Discuss your fertility concerns with your healthcare provider or call The Fertility Clinic.
    There are many reasons why people may be concerned about their fertility. Age is one factor to consider for both men and women. Consider your age and how many children you want to have when you are thinking about your plan for pregnancy. Think about your other life goals, too, and how you can best meet all of your goals successfully. Contact your healthcare provider or the Fertility Clinic if you have concerns.
    Consider your age and how many children you want to have when you are thinking about your plan for pregnancy. Think about your career goals, too, and how you can best meet all of your goals successfully.
    There are many reasons why people may be concerned about their fertility. Age is one factor to consider for both men and women. Your fertility declines as you age. Consider your age and how many children you want to have when you are thinking about your plan for pregnancy. Think about your career goals, too, and how you can best meet all of your goals successfully. Contact your healthcare provider or the Fertility Clinic if you have concerns.

We are interested in making our website content the best that it can be and we may want to contact you about your experiences using “The Pre-Pregnancy Planner”. May we send you an email within the next year to ask you some questions about using “The Pre-Pregnancy Planner” and what you are doing/did to plan for a healthy pregnancy?

The personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Health Protection and Promotion Act and applicable privacy legislation. This information will be used to contact you about your interest in participating in an evaluation of “The Pre-Pregnancy Planner”. We will keep your information private. Any questions about the collection of this information should be directed to the Manager of the Reproductive Health Team – Family Health Services at 519-663-5317.


The PrePregnancy Planner: Results

Congratulations! You are on your way to planning your pregnancy. There are a lot of factors that influence a pregnancy and this can seem overwhelming for some people. This planner will help you learn about these factors and decide what is most important for you and/or your partner. We recognize that there is a lot of information here – try choosing a few goals to get started.

  • You are on your way to starting a plan for pregnancy! Here are some of the positive things you are already doing:
    • Starting your plan for a healthy pregnancy before you get pregnant!
      Deciding to get pregnant is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Planning for it will help you to prepare and make informed choices to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
    • Looking for information about healthy pregnancies and knowing where to get help.
      Visit http://www.healthunit.com/pregnancy for more information about planning for a healthy pregnancy.
  • There is more to think about! You may want to talk to your healthcare provider about the following before you start trying to get pregnant:
  • You can take action! Here are some things you could do to improve your health before getting pregnant:

  • My Goals

    Planning whether and when to have a family can be overwhelming! Try choosing 4 things from the list above, and set some goals for yourself to get started. Remember, if you have a partner, they can set goals, too!

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If you have any questions or concerns about information provided in ‘The PrePregnancy Planner’, or if you would like to talk more with a Public Health Nurse about creating your pregnancy plan, please call the Health Connection at 519-850-2280.

References +

Best Start Resource Centre. (2011). Health Before Pregnancy Workbook. Retrieved from http://beststart.org/resources/rep_health/Health_Before_pregnancy_2011_FULL.pdf

Canadian Dental Association. Gum disease Retrieved from http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/complications/diseases/

Canadian Federation for Sexual Health (2008) Taking Care of Your Fertilit. Retrieved from http://www.cfsh.ca/Your_Sexual_Health/Pregnancy/Taking-Care-of-My-Fertility.aspx

Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment. (2011). Creating Health Environments for Kids. Retrieved from http://www.healthyenvironmentforkids.ca/resources/creating-healthy-environments-kids

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Parasites- Toxoplasmosis (Toxoxplasma infection). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/

Health Canada. (2007). Eating well with Canada's Food Guide. Retrieved from http://hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/alt_formats/hpfb-dgpsa/pdf/food-guide-aliment/view_eatwell_vue_bienmang-eng.pdf

Health Canada. (2012). Risks of smoking. Retrieved from http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/health-sante/tobacco-tabac/risks-risques-eng.php

Health Canada. (2013). Food safety for pregnant women Retrieved from http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/eating-nutrition/safety-salubrite/pregnant-enceintes-eng.php

Healthy Canadians. (2013). Fertility Retrieved from http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/health-sante/pregnancy-grossesse/fert-eng.php

Motherisk. (2008). Alcohol, nicotine and substance use. Retrieved from http://www.motherisk.org/women/alcohol.jsp

Public Health Agency of Canada (2008) Why all women who could become pregnant should be taking Folic Acid. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fa-af/

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2007). Canadian Immunization Guide: Part 3 Recommended Immunization, Immunization in Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p03-04-eng.php

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2010). Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti-its/cgsti-ldcits/section-1-eng.php#a3

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011). The healthy pregnancy guide alcohol and pregnancy. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/guide/03_ap-ag-eng.php

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011). The healthy pregnancy guide: Emotional health. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/guide/07_eh-se-eng.php

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2012). Benefits of Physical Activity Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/02paap-eng.php

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, (2009). Healthy Beginnings. 4th ed. Mississauga, Ontario: Wiley.

Note: This planner is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace advice from, or assessment by, a regulated healthcare provider. It is strongly recommended that you discuss the results of this tool with your healthcare provider. In some cases, healthcare providers may suggest that women wait 3 months to one year or more before trying to get pregnant.

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