Health things you should know in pregnancy - Your pregnancy and baby guide

There are things you can do, and things you can avoid, to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible in pregnancy.

Go to your pregnancy (antenatal) appointments

It's important not to miss any of your antenatal appointments. These appointments are part of your NHS pregnancy journey.

The tests, scans and checks you'll have help look after the health of you and your baby.

Some of the tests and measurements that can find potential problems have to be done at specific times of pregnancy, which is why you have appointments at certain weeks.

There are also things you can do to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible in pregnancy.

Food

have a healthy pregnancy diet
know which foods to avoid in pregnancy

Alcohol

don't drink alcohol

Not smoking

if you smoke, stop smoking

Vitamins

take a folic acid supplement and think about taking a vitamin D supplement

Medicines

Not all medicines are safe to take when you're pregnant. This includes prescribed medicines and medicines you can buy in a pharmacy or shop.

Check with a doctor, pharmacist or midwife before you take any medicines when you're pregnant.

If you're already taking prescribed medicine, do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first.

• find out about medicines in pregnancy

Exercise

do some safe pregnancy exercise

Protect against getting ill

know how to avoid infections that may harm your baby and symptoms to look out for
have the flu vaccination (offered between September and March, and it's free if you're pregnant)
have the whooping cough vaccination, free if you're pregnant

Baby movements

know about baby movements in pregnancy, and when to seek help

Your mental wellbeing

know how to cope with feelings, worries and relationships in pregnancy
mental health issues in pregnancy

Sleeping well

get tips on sleeping well in pregnancy

Travel

travelling safely in pregnancy, including flying, long journeys and travel vaccinations

DVT (blood clots)

know the risks, symptoms and ways to prevent blood clots in pregnancy

What if I have a health condition?

If you have a health condition, for example diabetes or asthma, these can affect your pregnancy. Pregnancy can also affect any conditions you have.

Don't stop taking your medicine until you've talked with your doctor.

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Page last reviewed: 11 October 2018
Next review due: 11 October 2021