In the early stages of pregnancy, it’s important to take care of yourself and your baby. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy.
All pregnant people are offered screening tests to check on their health, and their baby’s health. Some screening tests should ideally be done before 10 weeks of pregnancy. This is because further tests may be needed, and decisions made about ongoing care.
These tests are usually done by the midwife taking a blood sample. So as soon as you know you’re pregnant, please contact your local midwife service and book your first appointment with them.
If you are not already taking supplements such as folic acid (ideally 12 weeks before you get pregnant), start taking them now. You should also take vitamin D.
The NHS has more information about what vitamins you can take in pregnancy.
The Healthy Start Scheme is available if you need help to buy vitamins, food, or milk.
Protect your baby from tobacco smoke to give them the healthiest start in life.
Help and support is available to you if you find it difficult to stop.
Speak to your midwife, visit the NHS website or call the National Smokefree Pregnancy Helpline on 0300 123 1044.
A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time but is especially vital if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow. There are some food you can and can’t eat.
NHS advice about having a healthy diet in pregnancy
Food to avoid in pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, do not drink alcohol. This will reduce any risk to your baby.
Drinking alcohol whilst you are pregnant can harm your baby, and the more you drink, the greater the risk.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy also increases the risk of having a miscarriage, premature birth or your baby having a low birth weight.
If you drink alcohol during your pregnancy your baby could develop a serious life-long condition called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
The NHS has more information about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and the services available to help you stop drinking if you need them.
If you’re pregnant and struggling with an alcohol problem, please speak to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible. Help and support is available to you from many sources including #DRYMESTER – a website designed especially to help parents-to-be go alcohol free.
