<h1>Oral health and eye care in pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.9.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman cleaning her teeth" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1048" />
<h2>Oral health in pregnancy</h2>
<span>During pregnancy and after birth it’s important to have regular dental check-ups.</span>
<span>NHS dental care is free for pregnant women and for one year after the birth or the expected first birthday of your baby. It is recommended that all pregnant women see their dentist during pregnancy. It is especially important to see your dentist if you have persistent sore or bleeding gums.</span>

<span>Hormonal changes in pregnancy may cause bleeding gums. It is important to keep a good level of dental hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It is recommended that you brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350 ppm fluoride (this is safe to use in pregnancy).</span>

<span>Try to limit the amount of sugary food and drink you eat and then keep them for mealtimes rather than as snacks.</span>

<span>Remember to wait to brush your teeth after eating for at least 1 hour. This will prevent further dental erosion.</span>
<h2>Eye care in pregnancy</h2>
<span>During pregnancy you may experience slight changes in your vision and/or dry eyes. Eye tests are recommended every two years. Eye tests are free if you are on social benefits. Contact your local optician to book an appointment.</span>

Your GP can provide you with a signed form for a maternity exemption certificate. This will entitle you to free NHS prescriptions up to one year after the birth of your baby, and free NHS dental care.
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a type="nhs" href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption-certificates/maternity-exemption-certificates">Maternity exemption certificates</a>

<a type="nhs" href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/teeth-and-gums-pregnant/">How to care for your teeth and gums during pregnancy</a>

</div>

Oral health and eye care in pregnancy

<h1>Disability and pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Disability-and-pregnancy-300x199.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman in wheelchair shopping in baby store" width="300" height="199" class="size-medium wp-image-17864" />

<span>Parents and parents-to-be with additional needs/disability are often well adapted to their activities at home and at work, in their relationships and in interactions with their surrounding environment. Adapting to pregnancy, birth and parenting may require further adaptations. It is estimated that almost 10% of parents have a long term health condition which may result in disability or adaptation to daily living.</span>

<span>Maternity and other services can work in partnership with parents to facilitate individualised decision-making, equal access and making adjustments for pregnancy/birth and parenting.</span>
<h2>Tips for getting the support you need:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Report your additional needs when completing your pregnancy self-referral form and discuss these needs again when you meet your midwife for the first time.</li>
<li>Ask for a named midwife or to be part of a continuity of care team. Knowing your midwife facilitates partnership working and personalised planning around your own needs.</li>
<li>You are the expert in yourself, so talk to your midwife about what would help you through pregnancy, birth and parenting. Complete the Health and wellbeing in pregnancy personalised care and support plan with your midwife, highlighting the need for adjustments and improved access.</li>
<li>Consider a self-referral for a Health Needs Assessment if you require assessment of your home, care needs or benefits.</li> 
<li>Refer yourself to your local sensory impairment team for advice and adaptive equipment i.e. vibrating mat to alert to baby’s cry if you are hearing impaired.</li>
<li>Ask to see an occupational therapist for further specialised adaptive advice for home and parenting. Contact the local Social Services Occupational Therapy (for adaptive equipment and home adaptations) or Community Therapy teams e.g. neuro-rehabilitation for specific conditions such as Multiple sclerosis, Stroke or Functional Neurological Disorder, or via the community Learning Disability Team. Your GP can assist with making these referrals.</li>
<li>You can request longer appointment times, transport and accessibility to venue for appointments to facilitate your or your supporter’s needs.</li> 
<li>Consider if you need someone with you at appointments, i.e. British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, advocate or supportive relative. Talk about whom you would need to have with you during your hospital inpatient stay – assistance dog/supporter/interpreting service.
<li>Discuss your preferred mode of communication i.e. small chunks of information, emailed information to support verbal advice to support memory, large print, technical aids i.e. signing app, audio messaging.</li>
<li>Ask about access to antenatal classes. The BSL interpreter can be with you if you are hearing impaired; the information can also be tailored for visually impaired parents. The midwife can allocate time for a personal session to individualise to your needs.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Environment:</h2>
<ul>
<li>It may be useful to ask for a tour of the birth and after birth areas to familiarise and identify where adjustments may be required.</li>
<li>Talk to your midwife about accessibility of the birthing pool, bathrooms, showers, bed heights, adjustable cot height and a single room after the baby is born to facilitate your stay if needed.</li>
<li>Talk to your midwife about lighting, sound or temperature sensitivities or any preferences that make adapting to the environment more manageable.</li>
<li>Discuss birth positions in case modifications are needed.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Thinking about baby care:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Talk to the midwife about your home environment – think about inside the home and outdoors.</li>
<li>Baby sleeping area – would a cot attached to the bed make it easier to reach the baby overnight?</li>
<li>Plan your night and day equipment – safe sleeping in your bedroom and in your living room i.e. Moses basket.</li>
<li>Baby changing stations (e.g. mat and equipment) in day/night area – to support energy conservation.
<li>Carrying the baby – a baby wearing sling may help to enable you to keep your hands free or a light pushchair at home to move the baby from room to room.</li>
<li>Transporting the baby – will you use public transport, car or walk? Consider your needs when choosing a pushchair.  The weight, brake location, ease of access, assembly and storage are things to consider when choosing the pushchair.</li>
<li>Infant feeding – discuss with your midwife.  Consider a supportive infant feeding pillow to support baby’s position for feeding. Consider your own comfort and supported position. Where will you be feeding? Modified feeding positions i.e. for one handed feeding, or equipment to support holding the bottle. Ask your midwife about collecting breast milk during the last part of pregnancy if you feel this could be useful to supplement the baby’s needs in the early days.</li>
<li>If fatigue is a concern, your midwife can work with you to offer tips such as sleeping when the baby sleeps, energy conservation tips such as planning, pacing and prioritising what you need to ‘do, delay, delegate or ditch’ to enable your self-care and meeting the needs of your baby.</li>
<li>Talk to your supporters/family to ascertain how they can help you. Plan during the pregnancy so that you are ready for when the baby arrives. Where there is limited support discuss with your midwife to explore what other services might be available to you.</li>
</ul>

<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="https://www.disabledparent.org.uk/">Disabled parent</a>
<a href="https://www.womenwithepilepsy.co.uk/">Women wih epilepsy</a>
<a href="https://www.remap.org.uk/">Remap: Custom-made equipment</a>
<a href="https://www.demand.org.uk/">Demand: Design and manufacture for disability</a>
<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/961453/8500937-episode-56-pregnancy-and-disability">Pregnancy and disability: The Obs Pod, Episode 56</a>
</div>


Disability and pregnancy

<h1>Exercise in pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Exercise-in-pregnancy-Your-pregnancy-300x187.jpg" alt="Heavily pregnant woman holding her bump" width="300" height="187" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-12818" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is known to be safe in pregnancy. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Pregnancy is not the time to start a challenging new fitness regime, but it is good to maintain your pre-pregnancy level of activity with some adjustments if needed, or to try something gentle like walking, swimming or pregnancy yoga.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Some women feel exercise helps them adjust to the physical changes taking place in their body, promoting a sense of wellbeing and reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Exercise may help prevent some pregnancy complications and can help with swollen ankles/feet: </span>
<ul>
 	<li>Avoid exercise where you could lose your balance and hurt yourself.</li>
 	<li>Ensure you drink plenty of water during exercise.</li>
 	<li>Remember that hormonal changes preparing you for birth can make you more flexible. If you have pain in your back or pelvis during exercise, you should speak with your midwive about a referral to a woman's health physiotherapist.</li>
 	<li>It is important to warm up and cool down when exercising to avoid strain or injury.</li>
 	<li>If you are taking a class, remember to inform the trainer you are pregnant.</li>
	<li>You should avoid exercise that causes significant increases to your body temperature such as hot yoga, a jacuzzi or intense exercise when it is hot.</li>
	<li>It is recommended that you exercise to an intensity where your heart rate and breathing rate increases slightly but you can still talk in sentences and do not become excessively out of breath.</li>
	<li>150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise is recommended a week during pregnancy.</li>
	<li>If you have any factors in your pregnancy that make your pregnancy higher risk, you should consult your midwife or obstetrician before exercising during pregnancy.</li>
	<li>If your body is conditioned to weight lifting or high impact exercise preior to pregnancy it may be ok to continue with modifications, however you should consult your midwife or women's health physiotherapists to guide individual advice.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you experience anything unusual, you should stop exercising, and contact your midwife or doctor.</span>
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/pelvic-floor-exercises/">Pelvic floor exercises</a>

</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pregnancy-exercise/" type="nhs">Exercise during pregnancy</a>

<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/622335/CMO_physical_activity_pregnant_women_infographic.pdf">Physical activity chart</a>

</div>

Exercise in pregnancy

<h1>Improving your emotional wellbeing in pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.4.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman smiling and holding her bump" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1038" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some tips to improve your emotional wellbeing:</span>
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/09/self-help/">Self-help</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/09/health-and-wellbeing-in-pregnancy-plan/">Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/09/when-to-get-help/">When to get help</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/09/talking-therapies/">Talking therapies</a>

</div>
<div data-cat="goto" class="goto">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/06/maternity-units/" internal="true">Contact my maternity unit</a>

</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="http://www.netmums.com/support">Net mums support</a>

<a href="http://www.eatingdisordersandpregnancy.co.uk/">Eating disorders and pregnancy</a>

</div>

Improving your emotional wellbeing in pregnancy

<h1>Lifestyle information</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.5.jpg" alt="Close up of pregnant woman holding her bump" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1043" />
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/09/diet/">Diet</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2023/03/24/weight-management/">Weight management</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/09/alcohol/">Alcohol</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/smoking/">Smoking</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/recreational-illegal-drug-use/">Recreational/illegal drug use</a>

</div>

Lifestyle information

<h1>Medications</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.6.jpg" alt="Open pill bottle spilling contents onto tabletop" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1044" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are taking medications for any long term conditions, do not stop taking them or change the dose without talking to your GP first. If you’re not sure about the safety of certain medications, talk to your GP or local pharmacist. Many medications are safe when breastfeeding but talk to your GP who can confirm or recommend a safe alternative.</span>
<span>Your GP can provide you with a signed form for a maternity exemption certificate. This will entitle you to free NHS prescriptions up to one year after the birth of your baby.</span>

<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2020/05/21/commonly-used-medicines-during-pregnancy/">Commonly used medicines during pregnancy</a>
</div>

<div data-id="Medications related links">Portal: Medications related links</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">
<a href="http://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/">Information about medications in pregnancy</a>
<a type="nhs" href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption-certificates/maternity-exemption-certificates">Maternity Exemption Certificates</a>
</div>

Medications

<h1>Sex in pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.7.jpg" alt="Two pairs of intwined feet stick out from under a bed sheet" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1045" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">It is safe to have sex in pregnancy, unless your care provider has advised against it. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Some couples find sex enjoyable during pregnancy, whereas some find their sex drive changes and they don’t feel like they want to have sex as often or at all. If you don’t feel like having sex, think about other ways you could feel intimate and close with your partner. Talk about your feelings with your partner and make adjustments if you need them. Your breasts may be sore and tender, and as your bump grows certain positions become more difficult. Having sex cannot harm your baby, and he or she will not be aware of what is happening.</span>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/sex-in-pregnancy/" type="nhs">Sex in pregnancy</a>

<a href="http://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/sex-during-pregnancy-questions-and-concerns" type="nct">Further resources about sex in pregnancy</a>

</div>

Sex in pregnancy

<h1>Travel safety</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.12.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman holding small wheely suitcase handle" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1062" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Always take your hand held maternity notes with you if travelling away from home. If travelling far from home in the middle/later stages of pregnancy, it may be worthwhile looking up the local maternity unit in case you need any urgent care whilst away.</span>
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/travelling-in-london/">Travelling in London</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/cycling/">Cycling</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/353/">Car journeys</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/flying/">Flying</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/12/travel-vaccinations/">Travel vaccinations</a>

</div>

Travel safety

<h1>Vaccinations during pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.11.jpg" alt="Close up of health professional's hand with syringe preparing to vaccinate pregnant woman" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1056" />

<div data-cat="goto" class="goto">
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2020/12/17/covid-19-vaccination-flu-vaccine-and-pregnancy/" internal="true">COVID-19 and flu vaccines during pregnancy</a>
</div>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">It is currently recommended that all pregnant women have flu and whooping cough vaccinations during pregnancy. Ask your midwife or your GP's practice nurse about this early in pregnancy. If you are travelling, please see the information on travel safety.</span>
<h2>Do you have an appointment for a vaccination?</h2>
<h3>Please make sure you keep it.</h3>
<span>Vaccinations protect against serious illnesses now and in the future, so it's really important to keep up to date with jabs for you and your family.</span>
<span>This is particularly important if you are pregnant or have small children.</span>
<span>You should attend your appointments as normal, as long as you don't have symptoms of COVID-19 and you are not self-isolating.</span>
<span>If you are worried or have any questions please call your GP practice.</span>
<h2>Flu vaccine</h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The flu vaccine is available in winter every year and is safe at every stage of pregnancy. The flu vaccine is recommended because catching flu when pregnant can cause serious complications for both you and your baby.</span>

<h2>Whooping cough vaccine</h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women and can be given between 16 and 38 weeks of pregnancy. Ideally women should have the vaccination between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy as this best ensures the vaccine has sufficient time to provide immunity to your baby. Whooping cough in young babies can cause pneumonia and brain damage, therefore having a booster vaccine during pregnancy will help protect your baby.</span>

<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a type="nhs" href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vaccinations-pregnant/">Information about vaccinations in pregnancy</a>

<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccination-against-pertussis-whooping-cough-for-pregnant-women">More on vaccinations during pregnancy</a>

<a type="nhs" href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/624265/WhoopingCough_A5_booklet.pdf">Whooping cough</a>

</div>

Vaccinations during pregnancy

<h1>Vitamins and supplements and over the counter medicines</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.2.jpg" alt="Close up of pregnant woman comparing pill bottle label with information on hand-held notes" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1029" />
<span>It is recommended that all women take folic acid and vitamin D supplements during pregnancy. If you have a darker skin, or always cover your skin you may be at higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency. See the related link below for further information. You can buy these over the counter or alternatively ask your GP for a prescription. Folic acid can be stopped when you are 12 weeks pregnant, whereas vitamin D can be taken throughout pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.</span>

<span>Other vitamins are unlikely to be needed if you have a healthy and balanced diet.</span>

<span>Some women find that their iron levels drop in pregnancy – you will be offered blood tests to see if you need any iron supplements. If you receive certain benefits you may be entitled to free vitamins from Healthy Start.</span>

<span>Sometimes it is necessary to take medication in pregnancy, although this should always be on the specific advice of your midwife or doctor.</span>

<span>In some circumstances, certain types of medications are recommended for over the counter purchase rather than requiring a prescription.</span>

<span>The types of medications that fall into this category are:</span>

<span>Antacids</span>
<span>Laxatives</span>
<span>Vitamins and minerals</span>
<span>Iron supplements</span>
<span>Analgesia (painkillers)</span>
<span>Moisturisers and steroids</span>
<span>Aspirin</span>
<span>Treatment for haemorrhoids (piles), thrush, cold sores, dandruff etc.</span>

<span>If your healthcare professional recommends that you take such medication you will be advised to see your local pharmacist, who will be able offer further advice and information about the recommended products.</span>

<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant/" type="nhs">Vitamins and supplements in pregnancy</a>

<a type="nhs" href="http://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/">Healthy start</a>

<a type="rcog" href="https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/healthy-eating-and-vitamin-supplements-in-pregnancy/">Further guidance on vitamins and supplements in pregnancy</a>

<a href="https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/nutrition-in-pregnancy/vitamin-d-pregnancy" type="tommy's">Vitamin D in pregnancy</a>

</div>

Vitamins and supplements and over the counter medicines

<h1>Your emotional health and wellbeing in pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.2.3.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1033" />

<span>Expecting a baby can be a joyful and exciting time. However, it is also common for pregnant women to experience anxiety, depression or emotional distress. As many as one in four women experience emotional difficulties during pregnancy. This can happen to anyone, explore the pages below to find out more about your emotional health and wellbeing. </span>

<div data-cat="goto" class="goto">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/06/maternity-units/" internal="true">Contact my maternity unit</a>

</div>
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/talking-about-your-emotional-health/">Talking about your emotional health</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/during-your-pregnancy/">Your emotional health during your pregnancy</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/anxiety-about-childbirth/">Anxiety about childbirth</a>

<div data-id="Volunteer services in your region">Portal: Volunteer services in your region</div>
</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/blog/health-and-other-forms-of-anxiety-and-coronavirus">Anxiety and coronavirus</a>

<a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#TakeCareOfYourMentalHealthAndWellbeing">Coronavirus and your wellbeing</a>

<a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak">Looking after your mental health during coronavirus outbreak</a>

<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/mental-health-problems-pregnant/" type="nhs">Mental health problems and pregnancy</a>

<a href="http://perinatalpositivity.org">Emotional preparation for families to be</a>

<a href="http://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/out-of-the-blue">Best Beginnings: Out of the blue videos</a>

<a href="http://www.eatingdisordersandpregnancy.co.uk/">Eating disorders and pregnancy</a>
<a href="https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/pbpaftercsa">Pregnancy, birth and parenthood afer childhood sexual abuse</a>
<a href="https://www.birthcompanions.org.uk/">Birth Companions - supporting pregnant and new mums in prison</a>
</div>

COOKIE SETTINGS

MANAGE COOKIE PREFERENCE

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy