Pregnancy Advice & Support

It is important to look after your sexual health and think about contraception before, during and after pregnancy.

There are many different types of contraception, and some work better than others for different people. Some types (condoms) can help to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections, but most just prevent pregnancy.

All contraception is free of charge from NHS services.

Here you can find out more information on contraception.

You'll get most of the vitamins and minerals you need by eating a healthy, varied diet. But when you're pregnant you also need to take a folic acid supplement. It's recommended you take a daily vitamin D supplement too – especially in the winter months (October - March) when you don't get enough from the sunlight.

Here you can find out more information on vitamins and supplements during pregnancy.

Eating a healthy, nutritious diet is especially important if you're pregnant, or planning a pregnancy. Your baby relies on you to provide the right balance of nutrients to help them grow and develop properly (even after they're born).

Here you can find out more information on healthy eating in pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth.

It can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but is more common in the second half.

Here you can find out more information about gestational diabetes.

Gentle exercise during pregnancy is good (and safe) for you and your baby. Not only does it help you maintain a healthy weight, it also helps prepare your body for labour.

Did you know that 150 minutes of exercise each week has loads of benefits for pregnant mums? It doesn’t have to be in one go - even bouts of 10 minutes can make a difference!

Here you can find out more information about physical activity during pregnancy. 

Giving up smoking during pregnancy is hard.  Traditional advice is to quit smoking, the earlier the better. Whilst this is still the best advice, if you have tried or don’t want to try but are still worried about the harmful impact of smoking on your baby, you can consider reducing the harm.

Here you can find out more information about smoking and vaping during pregnancy.

Can I drink alcohol when pregnant?

It’s safer not to drink any alcohol if you’re pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, because it can damage your growing baby. By not drinking, you are protecting your baby and minimising the risks to their development and future health.

Here you can find more information about drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Taking drugs during pregnancy can have an effect on your baby, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter or recreational. Here you can find out which drugs to avoid during pregnancy.

Using illegal or street drugs during pregnancy, including cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin, can have a potentially serious effect on your unborn baby. Here you can find out  more information on drugs and prescriptions.

If you would like help to reduce or stop your drug use there is help available. Here you can find information on local support groups offering drug and alcohol support.

It depends on the type of vaccination. Some vaccinations, such as the seasonal flu and the whooping cough vaccine, are recommended during pregnancy. Some, such as the tetanus vaccine are perfectly safe to have during pregnancy if necessary.

Find out more information about vaccinations during pregnancy.

Here you can find out information about your rights during your pregnancy.