GP Surgery
Reproductive Health Townscape
Skip to nav- Consistent, evidence-based contraception and preconception advice
Consistent, evidence-based contraception and preconception advice.
Please click below for further guidance- Ensure that the updated 6-8 week mother and baby check-up includes comprehensive contraception advice, including the greater efficacy of LARC and its safety in the immediate postnatal period/during pregnancy, and importance of pregnancy spacing
- Women trying to conceive should be advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day
- Women trying to conceive should be advised to manage or reduce or manage pregnancy related risk factors to improve maternal and child outcomes including: smoking, alcohol, substance misuse, obesity, long term physical and mental health conditions
- Ensure that high risk groups including women with long-term conditions and those with multiple vulnerabilities receive help early to plan pregnancy and additional support to have a healthy pregnancy
- Inform women during pregnancy about the effectiveness of different contraceptives, including the greater effectiveness of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), when choosing an appropriate contraceptive method to use after pregnancy
- Systematic approach to promoting and providing contraception and preconception care
Systematic approach to promoting and providing contraception and preconception care.
Please click below for further guidance- Take account of women who are planning pregnancy when making prescribing decisions – especially those with mental health diagnoses who may need to change medication
- Collaborate with NHS providers and CCGs to develop and implement a model of integrated commissioning to remove barriers to care, maximise choice, and address women’s reproductive health needs across the life-course
- Collaborate with local health visiting teams to maximise the provision of accurate advice relating to preconception and contraception care post pregnancy
- Use the opportunity of cervical cancer screening or any other interaction with women of reproductive age to discuss the full range of contraceptive options available and the importance of preconception care, particularly for women living with long term health conditions
