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Good health and wellbeing during pregnancy is vital for both the mother and the developing baby.

• Vaccinations – During pregnancy your immune system (the body’s natural defence) is weakened to protect the pregnancy.  For more advice about vaccines, speak to your midwife.
• Being active during pregnancy will promote your wellbeing and help you to cope with labour. Keep up with your normal daily activity and remember that exercise does not have to be strenuous to be beneficial. There are some activities and exercises that should be avoided during pregnancy; if in doubt, always speak with your maternity team.
• Healthy eating during pregnancy – Eating a variety of nutritional food throughout the day will help your baby develop and grow. It’s best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat but, when you’re pregnant, you need to take a folic acid supplement as well to make sure you get everything you need.
• Healthy Start Scheme can help you to buy healthy food and milk. If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of 4 check to see if you are eligible click here
• Mental health in pregnancy – when you are pregnant it is natural to feel lots of emotions. If the way you are feeling starts to affect your daily life talk to your midwife or GP.

Reading stories and singing to your bump helps you to bond with your baby before they are born, this is also a great thing for siblings and the other parent to join in with.