Congratulations on your pregnancy!

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Included is some information about pregnancy and keeping healthy throughout it. Please note some of the information may not be relevant to you.

                                                                                                                             

SMOKING

We strongly advise for pregnant woman to stop smoking immediately. Smoking while pregnant can seriously affect your unborn baby’s health as it restricts the essential oxygen supply your baby needs. More information can be found at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/smoking-pregnant/

 

SMOKING CESSATION

If you would like advice on how to stop smoking you can access the following links: 

https://www.online-consult.co.uk/org/cornbrook-medical-practice/topic/624

https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/500287/healthy_lifestyles/7955/be_smoke_free_manchester

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Or alternatively call the NHS Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044 from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

 

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DENTAL ADVICE

During pregnancy some women may notice that they get swollen or sore gums, which may bleed due a build-up of plaque. This may lead to pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease. For more information, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/teeth-and-gums-pregnant/

 

We recommend all pregnant women are registered at a dentist: you can find your local dentist by visiting this website: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

 

Dental care is free during pregnancy and until 1 year after your due date. To get free dental care, you need to apply for a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx). If you would like further information on this or to gain a form; please contact reception.

 

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DIET ADVICE

Having a healthy diet during pregnancy is especially important as it will help your baby develop and grow. A well balanced diet of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods (carbohydrates), protein and low-fat dairy (or unsweetened alternatives) is needed in pregnancy.

 

More information can be found, by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/healthy-pregnancy-diet/

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The best way to get vitamins and minerals is from your diet, but when pregnant you need to take folic acid supplements as well. More information can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant/

 

You may qualify for the Healthy Start scheme, which provides vouchers to pregnant women and their families. These vouchers can be used to buy milk, plain fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables. For more information or to apply for the Healthy Start scheme:

• https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-vouchers/do-i-qualify/

• https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-vouchers/how-to-apply/

• or call the Healthy Start scheme on 0345 607 6823

 

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ALCOHOL ADVICE

We strongly advice for pregnant women not to consume alcohol while they are pregnant; alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta and to your baby. This can affect your baby’s liver; as it only matures later in your pregnancy, and has a serious effect on their development.

 

For more information, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/alcohol-medicines-drugs-pregnant/

 

If you have difficulty cutting down what you drink, talk to your midwife, health visitor, doctor or pharmacist.

 

Confidential help and support is also available from local counselling services:

• Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline on 0300 123 1110 - weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm

• Or please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Alcohol-addiction/LocationSearch/1805

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MENTAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY 

We ask all newly pregnant women and new mothers to complete an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, this is a common tool used to see how you are feeling.

 

https://www.online-consult.co.uk/org/cornbrook-medical-practice/topic/925

 

Please take time to complete this so we can provide the best care for you during your pregnancy.

 

It is common for women to experience mental ill health for the first time in pregnancy. It is also common if women who have previously suffered with mental ill health to experience it again during pregnancy or in the year after your baby’s birth. Please take time out to read the information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/mental-health-problems-pregnant/

 

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SEXUAL HEALTH SCREEN

We also offer full sexual health screens at the surgery. If you require any more information, access the following link: https://www.boundarymedicalpractice.co.uk/sexual-health 

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WHOOPING COUGH VACCINE

Whooping cough (pertussis) rates have risen sharply in recent years and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk. Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated – ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant. If for any reason you miss having the vaccine, you can still have it up until you go into labour. More information can be found: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/whooping-cough-vaccination-pregnant/

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If you feel any of the above is relevant and you would like further information or support please contact the surgery and speak to a nurse or GP, or contact your midwife. 

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Click here for the NHS advice page on Trying to get pregnant

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