Posted on

Recreational/illegal drug use

Recreational/illegal drug use

Syringe with clear plastic packs of different types of illegal or street drugs Use of illegal or street drugs when pregnant can seriously harm you and your baby. If you (or someone close to you) are using drugs, it’s important to seek help straight away. You can talk to your midwife, GP or any of the specialist treatment services that are available. For 24 hour immediate help and support contact this advice line: FRANK: Tel: 0300 123 600 Text: 82111
Illegal use of drugs in pregnancy Drug advice line
Posted on

Smoking

Smoking

Close up of stubbed our cigarette butts Smoking and inhaling passive smoke is extremely harmful for you and your unborn baby. A single cigarette contains as much as 4,000 chemicals which travels to your unborn baby via your bloodstream. Even smoking as little as one a day can increase risk of complications in pregnancy and birth. Quitting smoking as soon as possible while you are pregnant can protect against:
  • low birth weight
  • pre-term birth
  • miscarriage
  • stillbirth
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)/Cot Death
  • birth anomalies

Support

You are much more likely to quit with the help of a trained stop smoking advisor. Pregnancy is an ideal time to quit smoking for good. Your midwife or GP can refer you to local smoking cessation services or you can self-refer via the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1044. The type of stop smoking support you receive will depend on where you live and your personal preferences. Stop smoking services usually offer:
  • Weekly support either face-to-face, over the phone or online
  • Free medication or medication on prescription to help you stop smoking
Most nicotine replacement therapies are safe to use in pregnancy. Your stop smoking advisor should be able to support you in finding the right method to help you quit smoking whilst pregnant.

E-cigarettes

Although not risk free, e-cigarettes carry a small fraction of the risk of smoking. If using an e-cigarette or ‘vaping’ helps you stay smoke free, it is far safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke. If you want to use an e-cigarette, you can still get free expert help from a specialist stop smoking advisor.

Carbon monoxide screening

Carbon monoxide testing is offered to all women at booking and again at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that goes into your lungs when you smoke or inhale the passive smoke of someone else’s cigarette. It can also be found if there is a faulty boiler, cooker or car exhaust. Regular checks of household gas appliances are advised. Free Health and Safety gas advice is available on 0800 300 363 (Monday to Friday). Read the links below for more information about smoking and carbon monoxide.
Portal: Smoking in pregnancy
Smoking in pregnancy Smoking and pregnancy Stop smoking in pregnancy Smoking in pregnancy harms
Posted on

Alcohol

Alcohol

Close up of red wine being poured into a wine glass The point at which alcohol consumption becomes dangerous to an unborn baby is unknown. The safest way to protect against the effects of alcohol is to avoid it completely. Babies born to mothers who drink alcohol excessively when pregnant can be affected by a range of disorders known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Talk to your midwife or GP if you have concerns about alcohol in pregnancy.
Drinking alcohol when pregnant Fetal alcohol syndrome Alcohol and pregnancy
Posted on

Diet

Diet

Box of vegetables A healthy varied diet is recommended in pregnancy including plenty of fruit, vegetables, carbohydrates, protein and dairy. You do not need to eat for two, but you may need to have regular healthy snacks as your body works to support the growing baby. There are some foods that you should avoid during pregnancy because they could make you unwell or harm your baby. Guidance around which foods to avoid can change as new evidence or research is found. If you are a vegetarian it is important to eat foods that top up your iron levels, such as brown bread, beans and green leafy vegetables. Dairy foods, or fortified dairy alternatives are an important source of protein, vitamin B12, calcium and zinc.

Foods and drinks to avoid in pregnancy

Moringa tea, used by different cultures for blood cleansing and waste excretion, contains dangerous chemicals from the moringa root, bark and flowers which can make the uterus to contract prematurely (too early). Some of the spices in chai tea can be harmful in pregnancy. Cloves can lead to seizures and intestinal (gut) bleeding when over-consumed. Chamomile can cause miscarriages. Quinine, found in in Indian tonic water, traditionally used to treat leg cramps and malaria, can cause birth defects. Nourishment drinks, such as Caribbean guinness and peanut punch is not suitable for pregnant/nursing people. These drinks contain fortified vitamins and minerals which may exceed the daily recommended intake values. Liver can damage the unborn baby’s eyes and used in excess may lead to miscarriage, premature labour and severe eczema. Liver is traditionally used in pepper soup. Sweet rice, made as a traditional dish in some cultures can lead to gestational diabetes. Sweet dishes such as this should be eaten in moderation. A diet high in red meat and saturated fat, can reduce the production of platelets, leading to a condition known as thrombocytopenia.
Alcohol
Foods rich in iron Foods to avoid in pregnancy Healthy eating in pregnancy Eating well in pregnancy Healthy Start vouchers Being overweight in pregnancy and after birth
Posted on

Improving your emotional wellbeing in pregnancy

Improving your emotional wellbeing in pregnancy

Pregnant woman smiling and holding her bump It may seem like everyone else is happy and coping, but it doesn’t mean they are. Lots of women feel low in pregnancy, but many women who feel down may try and hide it. Here are some tips to improve your emotional wellbeing:
Self-help Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan When to get help Talking therapies
Contact my maternity unit
Net mums support Eating disorders and pregnancy
Posted on

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan

Pregnant woman in headscarf with hand on her bump Use the Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan in the Personalised care and support plans section of this app to help you identify your emotional and physical needs in pregnancy. Discuss your plan with your midwife or doctor at your antenatal appointments.
Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan
In addition, you might find the link below helpful.
Pregnancy and post-birth wellbeing plan
Posted on

Self-help

Self-help

Pregnant woman in sitting yoga position

Exercise and eat well

Swimming, walking, running, dancing, yoga – whatever works for you – keep doing it through pregnancy. Exercise gives you a chance to focus on something different, and is great for you and your baby’s health. A surge of endorphins, or stress-relieving stretches, can help you feel good and sleep better. Good nutrition will keep you healthy and help your baby grow and develop.

Take time out for yourself every day

Do something you enjoy that’s just for you. For example:
  • take a warm bath
  • chill out to some music
  • close your eyes
  • gently massage your growing bump
  • keep a journal.
Choose whatever makes you feel peaceful. Doing this will also help your baby’s brain to develop. In Getting to know your baby you can read more about how building a relationship with your unborn baby can support wellbeing.
Getting to know your baby

Meditation, breathing techniques and hypnobirthing

Many women find meditation and breathing techniques not only help them to relax in pregnancy, but can also help to manage pain in labour. Ask your midwife what classes are available at your maternity unit.

Talk to someone you trust

Talk about how you’re feeling. Getting things off your chest and talking your worries through with an understanding and trustworthy friend, family member or colleague at work can make all the difference.

Ask for practical help from family or friends

If you’re struggling to cope physically or emotionally with your pregnancy – get some help. Whether it’s with housework, or shopping, or childcare (if you have other children), ask for help if you can. Try not to exhaust yourself and rest when you need to. If you do not have close supportive relationship, talk to your midwife about how you feel.
Healthy eating in pregnancy Hypnobirthing  Eating disorders in pregnancy
Posted on

Anxiety about childbirth

Anxiety about childbirth

Pregnant woman looking down anxiously at her bump For many women the thought of childbirth is anxiety-provoking and some might say that this is a normal response to an unpredictable event where the outcome is vitally important. However, for some women severe anxiety about childbirth can have a very negative impact on their experience of pregnancy and birth, this condition is sometimes known as tocophobia. Lots of women have some fears about giving birth, but you are more likely to have severe anxiety if:
  • you have had extensive gynaecological problems
  • fear of childbirth is in your family and you have heard frightening stories about birth from family
  • you have had an anxiety disorder
  • you have a strong need to remain in control at all times
  • you have had a previous traumatic birth
  • you experienced sexual abuse as a child
  • you have experienced sexual assault or rape
  • you have depression.

What should you do?

Tell your midwife or doctor about your fears, as early in your pregnancy as possible. They should refer you to a healthcare professional trained to support women who experience severe anxiety. Research shows that fears can be reduced with specific psychological and emotional support during pregnancy. They will also provide you with information about the risks and benefits of different modes of birth.

How can I help myself?

The earlier you can get help the better:
  • speak to your partner and family/friends if you feel comfortable doing so
  • read information from reliable sources – don’t rely on information from blogs or internet forums
  • arrange to visit the labour ward or birth centre so that you can become familiar with the environment
  • if you are concerned about coping with pain, discuss pain relief options with your midwife or doctor write a detailed birth plan in partnership with your birth partner and midwife.
You may benefit from talking therapies. Your midwife, obstetrician or GP can refer you or you can self-refer to your local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).
Talking therapies
Your health and wellbeing plan
Choosing to have a caesarean