Staying healthy during pregnancy
Once you know you're pregnant, you can contact:
- your GP
- a midwife by phone or text on 07787 841 986
- Edie, the e-midwife, at lg.e-midwife@nhs.net or on Facebook or Twitter
It is best to do this as soon as you know you are pregnant to make sure you are keeping healthy and well. Find out more about the help available during your pregnancy.
For more information about the next steps after you have found out that you are pregnant, visit the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust website.
Weight and diet
If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, it is important that you:
You can find more on how to eat well before and during your pregnancy as well as information on what foods you should avoid.
Vitamin D and folic acid
If you are pregnant, you can take vitamin D to keep you and your baby's bones healthy. You should also take folic acid to help prevent birth defects. Find out more about folic acid and vitamin D.
Drinking and smoking
Get information about drinking alcohol during pregnancy and what to do if you or your partner smoke.
Whooping cough vaccine
If you are 28–38 weeks pregnant, it is recommended that you get the whooping cough vaccine. You should be offered one at your routine antenatal appointment.
These tests are designed to:
- help make your pregnancy safer
- assess the development and wellbeing of you and your baby
- check for any particular medical conditions.
Screening tests
During your pregnancy you will be offered different tests, including:
- blood tests
- ultrasound scans.
These tests are designed to:
- help make your pregnancy safer
- assess the development and wellbeing of you and your baby
- check for any particular medical conditions.
You do not have to have any tests, but it is important that you understand why you have been offered them so you can make an informed decision. Information about all the different tests you might be offered can be found on the NHS website.
Antenatal support
Your midwife will offer you antenatal support classes as you get nearer your due date. You can also get antenatal support from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Lewisham branch.