Something to Remember Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey 13 Hair dyes and hair removers Little research is available on the effects of hair dyes or hair removers during pregnancy. Although generally considered safe during pregnancy (as very little is absorbed through the scalp), we suggest you avoid using hair dye or removers products in the first three months of pregnancy. If you do dye your hair when you are pregnant we advise you to: • always remain in a well-ventilated area • go to a hairdresser rather than doing it at home • wear gloves or ask someone else to apply it for you • follow the instructions on the package and take an allergy test beforehand. Immunisation Check with your doctor that your immunisations are up to date. These include: measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Your doctor can order a blood test to check your protection. The symptoms of influenza (i.e. high temperature) may be harmful for you and your baby. The influenza vaccine can be given before or during pregnancy, especially if you are pregnant in the flu season. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for women with risk factors, including smokers, when planning pregnancy. A person’s protection to whooping cough lessens over time and therefore a whooping cough vaccine is recommended for people planning a pregnancy or as soon as possible after the baby is born. Medications and drugs Not all medicines are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This includes medicines that are prescribed, natural supplements or over the counter medications from the pharmacy or supermarket. Make sure you inform your obstetrician about all the medicines you are taking and ensure your pharmacist knows you are pregnant. Posture and back care Your posture changes during pregnancy. As your baby grows, your abdomen increases in size and shifts your centre of gravity. Subconsciously, you may change the way you stand, sit and walk. It is important to be aware of your posture and maintain a correct posture while gently tightening your lower abdominal muscles to support the weight of your baby. If you want to speak to a physiotherapist during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Sex during pregnancy Women and their partners are often concerned that having sex during pregnancy will harm their developing baby. If you are experiencing a healthy pregnancy and you want to have sex, there is no reason not to. It will not harm you or your baby. Some women don’t want to have sex during pregnancy. You may prefer just to be held, touched or massaged by your partner. Always talk to your doctor or contact the Birthing Suites for advice if: • spotting occurs following sex (this can be normal) • there is heavy bleeding • your waters have broken (this can cause a risk of infection to the baby). A person’s protection to whooping cough lessens over time and therefore a whooping cough vaccine is recommended for people planning a pregnancy or as soon as possible after the baby is born. It is important to be aware of your posture and maintain a correct posture while gently tightening your lower abdominal muscles to support the weight of your baby.
GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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