Wellfare during your pregnancy

Confirming you are pregnant: If you have missed a period and think you may be pregnant, there are a number of pregnancy testing kits available, including Superdrug’s own brand pregnancy testing kits (singles and doubles). Once you have determined that you are pregnant, you should contact your doctor to receive an estimated delivery date - calculated 40 weeks from the first day of your last period.

Ultrasound scan: The first ultrasound scan that you have will be arranged by your GP. Your partner will normally be allowed to attend, but it is worth checking with the hospital first.
Morning sickness: You will probably feel sick in the morning for about a six-week period, starting about two months into your pregnancy. If your morning sickness is quite severe and prolonged it may be useful to consider supplementing your diet with an all-round multivitamin and mineral supplement containing no more than 800 mcgs of vitamin A (too much vitamin A can harm your baby). Superdrug has a wide range of multivitamin and mineral supplements for you to chose from. If nausea persists you should visit your GP.
Foods to avoid: Avoid soft and blue-veined cheeses, meat pate, undercooked poultry and eggs, and alcohol during your pregnancy. Keep up your fluid intake, but avoid drinks containing caffeine. You should also avoid foods that contain high levels of vitamin A, such as liver and cod liver oil.
Looking after yourself: You will experience extreme tiredness within the first couple of months because your body will be working overtime as your baby forms. By taking some simple steps you can maintain your energy levels and help yourself to feel better. Remember to eat as early in the evening as possible; and a couple of hours before bedtime try to relax yourself with a warm bath. Also, remember to attend your routine antenatal checks as recommended by your GP.

Preparing for the birth

Antenatal classes: Your antenatal classes will be arranged weekly towards the end of your pregnancy and it is important to attend them for the health of both you and your baby.
Going into hospital: Well before you expect to go into hospital it is advisable to have a bag ready full of essential items that both you and your baby will need. These will include a night dress or T-shirt to give birth in; a pair of warm socks for during and after labour (your temperature may fluctuate); a pair of slippers; two or three maternity bras; cotton or paper knickers; breast pads; maternity sanitary towels; a camera and your clothes for coming home. clothing. For your baby you will need vests; stretchsuits; scratch mittens; disposable nappies; a cellular blanket and cotton wool.

After your baby’s born

When is it safe to have sex?

Most women do not have sex until after their postnatal check up, although there are no rules and as long as you have stopped bleeding, the decision lies with you. However, if you have had a caesarean, it may be better to wait for a few week s so that you read more