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Your health during pregnancy

 

We would encourage you to think about your health during your pregnancy including exercise, your nutritional needs and, if you smoke, getting support to quit.

Exercise

There are a range of resources to help you exercise during pregnancy, as it’s recognised that being active and relatively fit will generally make it easier to cope with many of the changes that pregnancy will bring. Regular walking, swimming and yoga are particularly good for anyone who may not be active that regularly, as it’s not recommended that you take up anything too vigorous if your body is not already used to it. Your midwife can provide further advice if you would like this.

Please see below for links to information that may also assist;

Exercise in pregnancy - National NHS information

Physical activity for pregnant women - Active Norfolk information

 

Diet 

It’s recommended that you eat a varied and healthy diet during your pregnancy. The national NHS website has more information and useful links; Have a healthy diet in pregnancy

It also includes a list of foods you should avoid, including some soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk products, raw meats, raw eggs and raw shellfish, and information about why you should avoid them. 

 

Toxoplasmosis

This is an infection which is not usually dangerous to healthy adults and children but could harm an unborn baby. The following precautions are advised;

  • If you do not have to pick up or handle cats, then don’t
  • Cat owners, in particular, should take extra care since the infection can be caught from cat faeces—you should, for example, wear rubber gloves when changing cat litter
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing any food
  • Ensure raw meats are stored separately at the bottom of your fridge and only eat meat which has been cooked thoroughly
  • Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly to remove all traces of soil 

Alcohol

The current advice is that you should avoid all alcohol during pregnancy - Drinking alcohol while pregnant. Please speak with your midwife if you require any advice or support.

 

Smoking

You are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and baby if you do not smoke. In addition to the health benefits, including better breathing and saving your child from the effects, it’s estimated that on average people who quit smoking save around £250 a month.

Smokefree Norfolk - Smokefree Norfolk - and Feel Good Suffolk - both have resources and support available. 

You can also find out more by visiting our Stop smoking services pages.