Health

The healthier you are, the better your chances of a healthy baby

Diet

A good diet helps your body to cope with the demands of pregnancy, and gives your baby the best start in life. A poor diet increases the chance that your baby may develop diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes later in life.

Weight gain is a normal and necessary part of being pregnant. However, if you are significantly overweight, pregnancy can become physically more difficult. The risks of complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm birth, congenital abnormalities, blood clots in the leg and lung, infections, and the need for caesarean section are all also higher.

During your appointments, your Adelaide Obstetrics & Fertility doctor will assess your weight and talk you through healthy diet options.

If you are at higher risk of complications during your delivery, we will determine the safest way for you to have your baby and provide the support you need in the lead up to your birth.

Exercise

Regular exercise is beneficial in pregnancy. It helps you to cope better with the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, and prepares your body for childbirth.

Even women who have not been exercising prior to pregnancy can start doing gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming.

There are many exercise classes available specifically for pregnant women, such as aqua aerobics and yoga. Women who are already doing regular exercise can continue, although they may need to modify their program.

If you have any concerns about the safety of your preferred exercise, please speak to one of Adelaide Obstetrics & Fertility’s doctors.

Smoking

Smoking tobacco is harmful—especially during pregnancy. Your baby receives less oxygen and is exposed to harmful chemicals. The risks of miscarriage, poor fetal growth, placental problems and stillbirth are all higher in women who smoke.

Quitting prior to becoming pregnant is strongly recommended. Failing that, if you are pregnant and still smoking, quitting early will still be beneficial to you and your growing baby.

Quitting is also of benefit after your baby is born, as cot death and asthma in babies and children have both been linked to exposure to tobacco smoke. If your partner or family members smoke, it is a good time for them to quit too.

If you are trying for a baby and have some concerns about your health, please speak to your GP—or call Adelaide Obstetrics & Fertility on 08 8272 7755.