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GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216

14 Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey Smoking Quit smoking during pregnancy and your baby will immediately feel the benefits. It is never too late in pregnancy to quit. Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and having a low birth-weight baby. Babies will also be more at risk of infections and longer-term health problems. Smoking in pregnancy and after the birth increases the risk of SIDS (cot death). There should be no smoking in your baby’s environment, including in or near the house or in the car. As soon as you think you may be pregnant, ask for advice and support for you and your partner to quit smoking. You can obtain free information, advice and support from a trained Quitline counsellor, or talk to your doctor. Telephone Quitline (24 hours) on 137 848. Travel The safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is after 20 weeks and before 32 weeks gestation, if you are well. You should take into consideration the standard of medical care in the country to which you are travelling. In some developing countries the medical facilities are lower and the risk of disease is higher. Talk to your travel insurance provider about insurance for pregnancy management in the country or countries that you are visiting. Air travel in the later stages of pregnancy can trigger premature labour. Your doctor will advise you about travel and vaccinations. Individual airlines also have policies on pregnancy and travel. While travelling on a plane, drink plenty of fluids and move and stretch your legs. No matter how many weeks pregnant you are, it is essential that you always wear a seat belt. By wearing a seat belt you are protecting yourself and your unborn baby in the event of an accident. Remember, it is illegal not to wear a seat belt, unless you have a current medical certificate from your doctor. Weight Weight gain varies between women and may depend on your pre-pregnant weight. Weight gain averages from 10 to 16 kilos. If you were underweight at the start of your pregnancy you can afford to gain more than the average. If you were overweight you may aim to gain less; however, strict dieting is not recommended. If you are worried about your weight and diet, talk to your doctor. Work If you plan to work during your pregnancy, assess your workplace and the daily activities that you are involved in to determine if there are any potential hazards. If you have any concerns about your job or your environment, discuss them with your doctor. Some women work all the way through their pregnancy, while others may finish work several months before their due date. There is legislation in Australia protecting women who are pregnant from discrimination in the workplace. Violence doesn’t have to be part of your pregnancy If you are experiencing verbal, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual and or physical abuse, talk to your doctor. Violence can have an enormous impact on you, your pregnancy, your baby’s health and the wellbeing of other children. Some abuse can start in pregnancy and may worsen afterwards. Info to note There is legislation in Australia protecting women who are pregnant from discrimination in the workplace.


GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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