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.
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.
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:
Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone that doesn’t know you. It can be a space to voice all your worries and try to make sense, or control some of the negative thoughts you might be having.
If these tips don’t help you, and you feel low or worried for more than two weeks, it may be something more serious. You can get help to feel better, talk to your midwife or doctor about your options and where you might get support.
Use the Moment Health app to track your mood in pregnancy.
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.
In addition, you might find the link below helpful.
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:
It is not uncommon for mental health concerns to start during pregnancy, if you have any of the symptoms below at any point, speak to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible. If you are unwell they can arrange treatment to help.
What to look out for:
At your booking appointment, your midwife will ask you questions about your mental and physical health so that they can find out whether you need any extra support. Every woman is asked these questions. Even if you don’t have a specific mental health issue, it’s a good idea to talk to your midwife if you’re feeling anxious or feel like you are isolated and/or do not have support.
Your midwife will ask you:
