          PLANNEDWhat Now? The first thing you should do is make an appointment to see your medical professional. Your midwife or doctor can provide you with much of the information you will need to know about the months ahead. Learning that you are pregnant should serve as encouragement for you to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Avoid using drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine to the best of your ability. If you are currently taking medications (prescription or over-the-counter), be sure to discuss possible effects they may have on you and your baby when you see your midwife or doctor. Your guide to a healthy pregnancy... Smoking, Alcohol and Medication If you haven't already done so, now is the time to stop smoking. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to problems for your baby once it is born. These problems can include low birth weight, premature birth and asthma developing later on. The earlier you can stop smoking the better but it is never too late to quit. It is advisable to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence that an occasional drink is harmful - talk to your midwife or doctor about how much alcohol it is safe to drink. You should see your midwife or doctor as soon as possible regarding any medication you may already be taking or would like to take. Do not take any illegal drugs as they can harm your baby. Exercise It is possible to continue exercising throughout your pregnancy, the fitter you are the easier it is to deal with pregnancy and birth. Many forms of exercise are suitable during pregnancy, such as swimming or walking, but do not suddenly start exercising vigorously. You should consult your midwife or doctor about any exercise you wish to undertake. Eat Healthily We all know we should eat healthily but it is even more important during pregnancy. Eating the right foods will help your baby to develop. A healthy balanced diet should include the following: Fruit and vegetables you should eat at least 5 portions a day. Starch foods such as bread, potatoes, pasta and rice. It is best to eat wholemeal versions of these products. Meat & fish you should have one or two portions of meat a day (or a non-meat alternative such as beans or pulses) and at least one portion of oily fish per week. Dairy foods this category includes milk, cheese and yoghurt. Fat is an essential part of your diet. However, this should only make up a small portion of your diet so try to cut back if you are eating too much fatty food. There are some foods and drinks that should be avoided during pregnancy (such as soft cheeses, runny eggs) and some that you should only have in moderation (such as caffeine). See your midwife or doctor for advice on food that should be avoided during pregnancy. Ensure you are getting enough of the right vitamins Once you are pregnant it is still important that you get enough Folic Acid and Calcium. The Department of Health recommends that women continue to take a folic acid supplement and eat a diet rich in folic acid up until the 12th week of pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid foods containing too much vitamin A, speak to your midwife about what foods contain vitamin A and how much is safe to have. |