A Guide to Pregnancy

During pregnancy it's completely normal to have many questions and concerns. Your local pharmacy is a great place to go for support during your pregnancy (and beyond), they'll help you you make the right choices when it comes to looking after your and your baby's health.

This is a very important stage on your life and it is normal to ask yourself a lot of questions and have many concerns. Do not worry, A pharmacist can support your way during pregnancy and beyond, making sure you make the right choices and helps you looking after your health and your baby.

Healthy eating

A healthy diet is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but is especially important if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow.

You don't need to go on a special diet, but it's important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need.

It's always 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 during the first few months, to make sure you get everything you and your baby may need.

There are also certain foods that should be avoided in pregnancy.

You will probably find that you are hungrier than usual, but you don't need to "eat for two" – even if you are expecting twins or triplets. This is one of the most common myths of pregnancy.

EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you with labour and get back into shape after the birth of your baby.

Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable.

Exercise is not dangerous for your baby but there are certain exercises that should be avoided, so it is always worth to check with your Doctor or pharmacist.

Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.  t's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is less common.

It's important to seek help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

It is difficult to understand if you are depressed as many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the "baby blues" and is so common that it’s considered normal as you need to adjust to your new situation and sometimes it can be challenging. The "baby blues" don’t last for more than two weeks after giving birth.

If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

How can we help you?

Request a one to one consultation with one of our pharmacist who can answer your questions and give you advice about.

• Healthy eating in pregnancy
• Exercise in pregnancy
• Medicines in pregnancy. What can you take to ease your symptoms and which medicines you need to avoid.
• Post-natal depression