Overview :

Even the most healthy women can have pregnancy problems but taking steps towards a healthy lifestyle can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Good food, a level of physical activity, relaxation and reduced stress all provide the best conditions for your health and therefore your pregnancy, your fetus and your birth experience. Your goals can be simple and need to be achievable. Worrying about health and fitness during pregnancy is not going to be helpful, in fact worry will only increase your stress levels.

Quick tips

• There are a number of important things that you can work towards to improve health outcomes for both you and your baby. 
• Health improvements are not always easy to make, especially if there are more pressing issues in your family or home life. An approaching birth can be a great motivator for change but not always. If you find it hard to make changes don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
• The following is a short overview of things you can do straightaway. 

Do

• take folate in the weeks before and up to three months after you get pregnant
• eat a variety of good food
• maintain a reasonable level of activity
• reduce stress in your work and family life if you can
• if it’s possible, find time for yourself
• rest and try to get enough sleep
• have regular checkups throughout your pregnancy
• contact your health care provider as soon as you feel something is wrong.