5 TOP TIPS

Top 5 PREGNANCY TIPS

Tip 1 Take your folic acid

To reduce the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect such as spina bifida it is recommended that you take a supplement of folic acid, ideally as soon as you are trying for a baby but defiantly from the point you find out you are pregnant. Neural tube defects affect the development of baby’s spinal cord. The recommended dose is usually 400 micrograms per day which you will be able to purchase from your pharmacy. There are some cases where it may be recommended that you take a larger dose, such as you or a close family member having a neural tube defect, having diabetes or being on anti-epilepsy drugs. If you are unsure what dose you should be taking chat to your doctor or midwife. Once you reach 12 weeks of pregnancy you can stop taking folic acid.

Tip 2 Time to give up cigarettes and alcohol

Giving up anything that we enjoy is never easy, however it is widely accepted that smoking when pregnant is not only harmful to Mum but also to your growing baby. It may be easier if you are able to give up or cut down before you are pregnant as any anxiety at finding out you are growing a tiny human may have you reaching for a cigarette or a glass of wine. On the upside, women often report that they actually found cutting both cigarettes and alcohol out of their routine so much easier when they were doing it for their baby. If you are finding it difficult have a chat to your midwife who will be able to signpost you to some really great support services which can help you to make these great lifestyle changes.

Tip 3 Stay Active Tip 4 Look after your smile

Throughout pregnancy and until your baby is one year of age. During pregnancy, high levels of progesterone and estrogen can soften the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in position. If you find that you have swollen, red and tender gums or that you notice bleeding when brushing your teeth you may have a condition known as Gingivitis. The good thing is that this conditions should go away after pregnancy but it is vitally important that you take extra care when looking after your teeth. Continue to brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride and when finished, spit but don’t rinse.

Tip 5 Stay hydrated

The fluid surrounding your baby is known as amniotic fluid and is 98% water. Add this to the fact that your blood volume increases by around 30% during pregnancy and you can start to see why, staying hydrated is really important. Not drinking enough fluid can result in dehydration which can exacerbate things like pregnancy sickness and constipation. It is recommended that we all drink between 6-8 200ml glasses of fluid per day. Water is obviously the healthiest choice but if you find that hard, adding a little sugar free cordial may help. Every woman is different though so a good guide is keeping an eye on the colour of your urine - it should be clear. If you feel dizzy, tired or nauseous you may find having a drink will immediately make you feel better.

We all know that exercise is a really important part of staying fit and well and can help to reduce stress, improve circulation and help you to get a good nights sleep. These benefits don’t disappear when you are pregnant and, in actual fact, regular movement can really help you to prepare your body for the later stages of pregnancy, labour and birth. As long as your daily exercise routine does not include contact sports such as rugby, kickboxing or squash you are advised to continue with your routine for as long as you feel comfortable.