Eating healthily is one of several lifestyle factors which will contribute to improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Others such as smoking, alcohol and caffeine also have an affect on your babies health, however there is often confusion about the most accurate guidelines. The NHS Choices website also has lots of information about pregnancy health and lifestyle.

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Alcohol

The less alcohol you drink when you are pregnant or actively planning to conceive the better, because alcohol passes via the placenta and directly affects the baby.

 

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Smoking

Mothers who smoke increase the risk of miscarriage, still birth and cot death. Their babies are more likely to be born prematurely, to be of low birth weight and have breathing, feeding and health problems at birth.

 

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Medication

Always check with either your GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines, prescribed medication or herbal remedies, that they are safe for pregnant women or for women who are trying to conceive.

 

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Caffeine

You need to limit the amount of caffeine you have each day, but you don't need to cut it out completely. # ExerciseExercise

Physical activity or exercise is an important part of pregnancy, before during and afterwards. It is one of the ways, along with eating a healthy diet, not smoking and making sure your weight is appropriate, that you can increase your chances of having a healthy, happy pregnancy, labour and baby.

 

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5 A DAY

Fruit and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals essential for you and your baby; they are also an excellent source of fibre. Why not have a look at our ten top tips to help you get your '5 a day'.

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Fertility

It is estimated that around one in seven UK couples have difficulty conceiving. Take a look at some of the changes you can make to your lifestyle to improve your fertility.

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Polycysitc Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder which results in the increased production of insulin and male sex hormones (androgens). This can lead to irregular periods, fertility problems, acne, hair loss, weight gain and ovarian cysts. PCOS affects between 5 and 15% of women of reproductive age.