1. Pre-conceptual health and care
This topic is about making the decision to have a baby and how important it is to prepare for parenthood.

2. By the end of the topic you should…
Know the factors a couple need to think about in preparation for becoming parents.
Understand the importance of being healthy before deciding to become pregnant.
Be able to describe lifestyle choices and medical factors that can influence pre-conceptual health.

3. Key words
Folic acid – also known as folate and vitamin b9, this is a b vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction.
Genetic counselling- information and support provided by a specialist counsellor to people who are concerned about the possibility of transmitting birth abnormalities or genetic conditions to their offspring.
Pre-conceptual – before conception
Rubella – a contagious virus also known as ‘German measles’ that can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects if caught during pregnancy

4. Being a parent
The decision to have a baby is one of the most important choices that a couple can make. It is a highly responsible job and should always be considered carefully.
While there are many factors that influence a decision to have a baby. The most important factor is that baby should be welcomed into a loving, caring family and a nurturing environment.
Couple will need to consider if they will have enough money or if they need a bigger house or even if their relationship is secure enough to handle the responsibility of a new baby, changes to their social life and dealing with sleepless nights!

5. Impact of parenthood on lifestyle

6. Pre-conceptual care
Before becoming pregnant, care should be taken physically, emotionally and socially. This includes lifestyle choices such as eating healthily, keeping good weight control, taking regular exercise nad not smoking or drinking alcohol.
It includes medical factors such as avoiding contact with infectious diseases and having regular, routine check-ups at the Doctors.
It is important to find out if the woman is immune to rubella, which can cause abnormalities to the unborn baby if the mother becomes infected.

7. Women who are planning to become pregnant should start taking folic acid. Folic acid can naturally be found in foods such as whole grains and nuts and can be taken in tablet form as a supplement. Research has shown that folic acid can help prevent conditions like Spina Bifida.
Some women may need specific tests before planning on becoming pregnant, particularly if there is a family history of certain medical conditions. This would be investigated through genetic counselling.

8. Inheritance
Children inherit genes from both parents. It’s these genes that determine certain characteristics such as hair and eye colour and blood group.
Some genes may carry defects that may cause inherited disorders. The risk is greater for couples with a family history of inherited conditions, although some disorders can happen out of the blue.
It is important to remember that most babies are born healthy and inherited conditions are rare. Genetic counselling will help the couple understand possible risks and help them make their own decisions.

9. Research Task
Investigate the following conditions and give a brief summary of what each one is, using your own words where possible. DO NOT copy and paste.
Spina Bifida
Cystic fibrosis
Haemophilia
Sickle cell anaemia
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Muscular dystrophy
Research into another inherited condition and describe in more detail what it is, how it is caused and how people deal with it.