If you've decided that the time is right for starting a family, or adding to an existing one, you'll want to get your body into top form before you start making any definite baby plans.

Speak to your GP about having a pre-pregnancy check-up, before you start trying. Your doctor can check your blood pressure and carry out any tests you might need. They will also be able to review any regular prescriptions to make sure they are appropriate for pregnancy.

It goes without saying, but you also have to stop taking the pill, ideally at least six months before you intend to conceive.

Top tips for pre-pregnancy

If you're a smoker, give up straight away, and encourage your partner to do the same.

Smoking is a huge risk to your health and that of any developing baby. Research shows that both men's and women's levels of fertility tend to drop when you smoke. It's also true that smoking can cause premature birth, and may affect a child's long-term health.

Cut down on alcohol, if not cutting it out completely. There are new warnings every week about how much it's safe to drink in pregnancy, and as scientists don't really know how much is safe, it's best to avoid it altogether. Drinking alcohol is also said to affect men's sperm count.

Get some exercise. Being in good physical shape can reduce stress, which will improve your chance of conception, and may make any resulting pregnancy easier.

Eat as healthily as possible. Your body needs a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals to provide it with all of the chemicals it needs to produce the lining in the womb.

You also need to start making sure that your diet contains enough folic acid before you conceive, which is needed for the normal development of your baby’s neural tube. 

Change your man's underwear! Apparently, one common reason for a low sperm count is that their testes get overheated, so buy in some nice loose boxers for your man and ban him from having hot baths and showers.