S.8 Being a parent/carer: Preparing for parenthood I can reflect on the need to plan for parenthood. I can talk about the value of pre-conception care. I can discuss the choices and actions a potential parent can take to ensure the best start in life for the child.

Approximately 52,000 babies are born in Scotland every year. The average age of a first time Mum is 28 years old. It is estimated that between one-third and one-half of conceptions/women becoming pregnant are unintended or unplanned.

Pre-conception care is about the choices a woman and her partner make and the actions they take before being pregnant. We can usually expect that a healthy, thriving woman will give birth to healthy, thriving baby. Pre-conception care is about doing our best to make sure that women and their partners plan for a healthy positive pregnancy.

Activity: What can be happening in a woman’s life that could have a negative impact if she was to become pregnant? You can think about: Environmental factors Social situation Health Lifestyle

Activity: Pick one of the factors that can have a negative impact Activity: Pick one of the factors that can have a negative impact. What could the woman and her partner do to end or minimise this negative factor?

Getting ready for a healthy pregnancy.

Alcohol free pregnancy By making the choice not to drink any alcohol while pregnant or trying for a baby parents are helping to keep their baby safe and healthy.

Ready Steady Baby http://www. readysteadybaby. org Ready Steady Baby http://www.readysteadybaby.org.uk/trying- for-a-baby/gettingready.aspx