Miscellaneous Information - Pregnancy - Knowledge Area

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PREGNANCY - A FEW EXTRA BITS OF INFORMATION

Here are a few bits of advice that do not come under the areas covered so far in our Pregnancy pages, but that we feel are important to know about:

If there is anything else that you feel should be included here, perhaps something you wish you knew about when you first got pregnant, the please do get in touch and let us know . Thanks.

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Bra's

It is best to avoid underwired bras during pregnancy and when breast feeding. The underwiring could cause problems as your breasts change and develop during pregnancy which in turn could obstruct the development of your milk duct system causing mastitis.

During pregnancy a well-fitted sports bra is a good option or just go straight for a feeding bra. These have "easy access" openings of varying sorts and can be worn throughout pregnancy.

Ensure any bra has enough size adjustments at the fastening so it can grow with you as you get bigger. Most of all, make sure it's comfortable and the right size for you. All good lingerie retailers should be able to help fit a bra and give you advice.

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Seat Belts

When driving or as a passenger in a car when you are pregnant, it is important that the seat belt is worn, and is worn correctly.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises as follows:

Place the diagonal strap between the breasts (over the breastbone) with the strap resting over the shoulder, not the neck.
Place the lap belt flat on the thighs, fitting comfortably beneath the enlarged abdomen, and over the pelvis not the bump.
The belt should be worn as tight as possible.

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Over the Counter Medicines

During pregnancy you are just as likely to need, if not more likely, medication for varying ailments but, of course, many medicines are not safe as they can cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream.

Anytime you feel the need for medication, ALWAYS read the label first and check with your pharmacist, midwife or GP before taking anything. Some medication is safe early in pregnancy and not later on, and vice-versa.

For further advice, take a look at Netdoctor which has detailed advice from their pharmacist.

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Chicken Pox

Contracting Chicken Pox during pregnancy can cause problems for you & your baby so it is important to keep away from the virus when pregnant.

However, because there is a 2 week incubation period before the spots show this can be difficult. If you have an older child at school or nursery it would be wise to ask the nursery if there are any cases of chicken pox going around. (Most nurseries will display a notice to advise of the presence of the illness).

BUT 80-90% of pregnant women are immune to the chicken pox virus, having previously had the disease. If you feel you are at risk then you can be vaccinated, but not when you are pregnant.

If a rash appears it is very important to contact your doctor as soon as possible as the treatment that can be given needs to be administered within 24 hours of the rash appearing.

For more detailed advice about the risks to you and your baby, contact your GP or midwife.

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Smoking when Pregnant

It's pretty simple, really - don't.

However, that's easy to say and if you need help to stop smoking when you're pregnant or trying to conceive, please call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 9 169. Lines are open from 7am to 11pm.

When you smoke, over 4,000 chemicals go into your body. One of these is a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide which gets into your bloodstream and cuts down the oxygen reaching your baby. For every cigarette you smoke, the oxygen supplied to your baby is disrupted for 15 seconds and your baby experiences reduced blood flow for 15 minutes.

If you continue to smoke during pregnancy, the health risks to your unborn baby include:

Lower birth weight and weakness.
Slower growth of your baby.
Higher chance of cot death.
Damage to airways which could cause breathing problems or asthma.

If you continue to smoke once your baby is born, the health risks of a child growing up in a household with one smoking parent include:

Colds, coughs and bugs.
Asthma attacks or chest infections.
Lung cancer when they are adults.
Meningitis.
'Glue ear' and partial deafness.

Check with your doctor before using any Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

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Lifting

If this is not your first child then avoiding lifting can be particularly difficult, but lifting heavy things when pregnant really should be avoided.

This is because your joints and ligaments are loosened due to the pregnancy hormone relaxin (in preparation for giving birth) and are therefore more prone to strains. If you do need to lift, bend your knees and not your back, keeping as straight as you can. Split shopping into more bags to even out the load or use a wheelie shopping bag/basket.

Try to get your older child to go up a couple of steps before you lift them. When helping them out of the bath, hold their hands as they step up to the side of the bath and then they can jump down, while still holding hands. (Try to avoid saying that "it's because of the baby" too much or you may risk them becoming resentful before the baby is born.)

If your job involves lifting, put it in writing to your employer that you are pregnant and they should carry out a risk assessment of your working conditions. Take a look at the Work & Health Information Gateway website for more detailed advice.

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Exercise during Pregnancy

This isn't just about taking extra physical exercise, but about your everyday, day-in-day-out activities. It is important to stay fit and healthy to help you during pregnancy, during labour and once you have a new baby.

If at any time during exercise you feel dizzy or faint it is important to stop straight away and take a rest. If these symptoms persist, please contact your GP for advice.

Some general advice:

Check with your GP or midwife before doing any exercise
As referred to above, the relaxin hormone loosens your joints and muscles so it's important to avoid exercise that puts stress on your joints and may cause strains.
What you can manage when pregnant will depend on how fit you were beforehand.
Avoid contact sports and exercise where serious injury or hard falls are possible, such as horse riding or ski-ing
Drink plenty of water and don't overheat as this could harm your baby
Avoid saunas and steamrooms as you can overheat
Don't exercise to lose weight during pregnancy
Check with a member of staff before using any equipment in a gym or health club and read any safety notices

Gym - if you regularly go to a gym, let the staff know that you are pregnant as soon as possible so that they can develop a workout routine that is suitable for you. If you attend aerobics classes stick to low impact routines (try to find an ante-natal class if you can) and don't overheat. Avoid lifting heavy weights, particularly when lying on your back as this can obstruct the blood flow to the uterus. Drink plenty of water and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Swimming - this is great exercise during pregnancy and there isn't the risk of ligament strains as the water is supporting you.. The feeling of weightlessness during the last trimester is really very comfortable. Use a stroke that you find comfortable and try swimming during quieter times if you can. Find out about local ante-natal swimming classes.

Running & Walking - if you are a regular runner then take it easy during pregnancy but now is not the time to take up running, stick to walking. Either way, wear good supportive shoes, drink plenty of water, don't overdo it, stick to even ground and avoid the hottest part of the day during summer. A mile long walk three times a week is ideal, if you are comfortable.

Yoga - Always use a qualified yoga teacher and tell them if you're pregnant - ideally find a yoga class specifically for pregnant women. The benefits of yoga can really help with labour and giving birth but do avoid difficult poses and ones that you're not used to. As your baby grows your centre of gravity shifts & you are more likely to lose your balance so enter positions carefully and use a wall for support when standing.

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Sleeping or Lying on your Back

From about half way through your pregnancy, 24-28 wks, try to avoid lying on your back as this may cause dizziness and shortness of breath.

This is because your growing uterus is placing pressure on one of your major blood vessels called the 'vena cava' which lies on the right side of your body. The uterus is also prone to lean towards the right side so lying on your back can compress the vena cava.

Lying on your side or in a semi-upright position will take pressure off the blood vessel or place a pillow under your right side,which takes the pressure off.

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