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GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216

Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey 9 Coping alone If you are pregnant and on your own it can be very difficult to find people with whom you can share your feelings and who can offer you support. Sorting out problems, whether personal, medical or financial is often difficult by yourself. It is better to find someone to talk to rather than letting your problems get you down. Things to think about • Can your friend, sister or mother come to childbirth education classes with you? • Is there a particular person who is close by and able to be there to support you after having your baby? • Will your baby need child care if you go back to work? • What services are available in your local community that can help to support you and your baby? Dental care Dental care is important during pregnancy because, due to hormonal changes, you are more likely to develop tooth decay and gingivitis (where gums become red, swollen and bleed easily). The increase of gum disease or bacterial infection has been shown to be associated with premature and low birth weight infants. Good dental health prior to pregnancy means that minimal dental treatment will be necessary during your pregnancy. If you have a dental emergency during pregnancy, X-rays may be required. Today, X-ray machines emit tiny doses of radiation and are directed at a highly localised area. They are generally safe in pregnancy, but always let your dentist know that you are pregnant. Eating well During pregnancy it is important for both you and your baby that you eat well. You need more nutrients, but not necessarily more calories. This means you need to focus on the quality and variety of foods you eat rather than increasing the amount you eat. If you eat regular meals and include fruit and vegetables, breads and cereals, dairy foods and lean meats (or other protein alternatives), you will be getting most of the nutrients that you require. During pregnancy your body needs more folate, iron, calcium, Vitamin D and iodine. A vegetarian diet can be very healthy if care is taken to replace animal foods adequately. If you exclude all animal foods you will need a Vitamin B12 supplement while you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin for brain development in your baby. Advice about food, diet, nutrition, supplements and weight during pregnancy is available from your doctor or a dietician. Dieticians have specialist knowledge about nutrition during pregnancy and can provide expert advice about any problems with your diet. Calcium Calcium is important for the development of your baby’s bones. If you don’t eat calcium rich foods regularly you may need a calcium supplement. Calcium is present in milk, cheese, yogurt and most soy milks. During pregnancy it is important for both you and your baby that you eat well. You need more nutrients, but not necessarily more calories. This means you need to focus on the quality and variety of foods you eat rather than increasing the amount you eat. Advice about food, diet, nutrition, supplements and weight during pregnancy is available from your doctor or a dietician.


GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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