Some couples who want to start a family are very concerned that there are diseases in their families, they fear may be hereditary and could be passed on to their child. Conditions such as hemophilia, schizophrenia and some forms of blindness and deafness can be difficult, but the couple can get advice from their doctor or genetic counseling unit if they are worried about this.

• There is no doubt that the expectant mother who smokes is putting her own health and that of their children in danger. Before a woman who smokes becomes pregnant she should try to give it up or at least cut down.
• No woman who has become addicted to any drugs should become pregnant. Drugs taken by the mother will go to the fetus and can cause the baby to be born addicted. A woman who is an alcoholic should not become pregnant. A lot of alcohol can damage the fetus. A woman who is addicted to drugs or alcohol should get help before pregnancy.
• Some types of STD (sexually transmitted disease, also called VD or STD) if left untreated can affect the ability of a woman to make, and can also be transmitted to the unborn baby. Treatment is available at special clinics.
• woman develops rubella (German measles) during the first three months of pregnancy is high risk of the child being damaged. Rubella can lead to blindness, deafness, heart damage and physical deformities in the child. All girls in the UK aged 11 and 13 are now vaccinated against this disease, but it is advisable for a woman who is planning to become pregnant, have a test to see that she is still immune to the disease.
• Health father of the child is also important. He owes it to his spouse to be strong and healthy so that he can give her the support she needs during her pregnancy. If there is any possibility that he has contracted the STD, he must go to a special clinic, or his partner may also be infected. If he cuts down on smoking, drinking and excess food that will help her to do the same. The money saved will also be useful for all the things that are going to be needed.