Planning a Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

If I want to become pregnant, what do I need to think about first?
How do I know when I am most fertile?
When do I have to stop drinking alcohol?
Do I need to get rid of my cat?
I have a family history of babies born with abnormalities and I’m very concerned about this happening to me. What should I do?

If I want to become pregnant, what do I need to think about first?
If you have decided that you are ready to have a baby, see your health care provider for a pre-pregnancy visit. Start taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid. Some experts recommend making healthy lifestyle changes – such as eating well and being physically active – 3 months before trying to get pregnant. You should stop drinking alcohol, and reduce and stop smoking if you or your partner smokes. See your dentist and have any necessary fillings or other work done before you get pregnant. Check to see if your immunizations are up to date.

All of these steps will support your health, and help you have a healthy pregnancy.

For more information about planning a pregnancy, click here.

How do I know when I am most fertile?
A woman is usually able to get pregnant for about 5 days each month, around the day when ovulation occurs. If you want to understand your fertility better, begin by keeping track of your menstrual periods, and talk to your health care provider. To know how long your cycles are, track the number of days on a calendar for 2 or 3 months or cycles. Your menstrual cycle begins with the day your period starts and ends the day before your next period starts. Keep in mind that alcohol, tobacco, obesity and stress can affect your fertility.

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?

When do I have to stop drinking alcohol?
There are a number of risks to a developing baby if a woman drinks alcohol when pregnant. All drinks with alcohol can be harmful to a developing baby. Alcohol is in beer, wine, hard liquor, coolers and ciders. There is no known safe amount of alcohol, at any stage of pregnancy that will completely prevent the risk of having a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Therefore, not drinking alcohol is the safest option if you could become pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are currently pregnant. Often women drink before they are aware they are pregnant, but it is important to know that it is never too late to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

For more information about alcohol use during pregnancy, click here.

Do I need to get rid of my cat?
No. Your cat’s feces (poop) may carry a parasite called toxoplasmosis that can cause a serious infection in your unborn baby and result in miscarriage or birth defects. However, you will not be exposed unless you are the person changing the kitty litter. Here are some tips:

  • Have someone else empty the cat litter box, or wear gloves and wash your hands well.
  • Wear gloves and avoid direct contact with garden soil that may have cat feces in it.
  • Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling your pets.

For more information, see the HealthLink BC file Toxoplasmosis during Pregnancy.

I have a family history of babies born with abnormalities and I’m very concerned about this happening to me. What should I do?
Prenatal genetic screening is a blood test available to all pregnant women in British Columbia. This screening tells you the chance of your baby having Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect. You and your partner may want to be screened for potential genetic problems, such as sickle cell anemia if you are of African descent or Tay ‑ Sachs disease if you are of Jewish‑European or French‑Canadian descent. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, seizure disorders, or any inherited diseases, talk with your health care provider before getting pregnant – they may want to modify your treatment and may be able to prescribe medicine that is safer for the developing baby. Although most babies are born healthy, all women have a chance of having a baby with these conditions – even if they and their families are healthy. It is your choice whether to have prenatal genetic screening. The earlier you see your health care provider, the more options you will have.

For more information about prenatal genetic screening, click here.