Support for young parents

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant you need to look after yourself (and your baby!).  You can do this by:

• Cut down, or cut out, alcohol.
• Try and give up smoking, or at least cut down - Smoking Cessation clinics run at The Arthur Blackman Clinic – 01424 851225 and Kennedy Court 01424 717608
• Xtrax 01424 722524 Smoking Cessation Worker
• Or try www.ash.org.uk or www.quit.org.uk or www.givingupsmoking.co.uk or call ‘Quit-line’ 0800 002200 (open 9am-9pm) or 0800 169069
• If you think you have a sexually transmitted infection, get it treated – untreated ones can be passed onto your baby.
• Labour is a very physical activity – try to keep fit and active.  Walking and swimming are both good.
• Eating healthily – eat lots of fruit and veg.

Try reading ‘Diary of a pregnant teenager’.

Midwives are trained to work with pregnant women and their families’ through-out the pregnancy and can advise about:

• Involving both partners in the pregnancy.
• Local classes to help parents prepare for the birth and after.
• Meeting other pregnant women and their partners.
• Where to give birth – at home or in hospital

Pregnancy changes a woman’s body completely – both physically and emotionally.

Pregnancy can be a time of huge change for men too. They may feel concerned for their partner, the baby and for themselves.  They may have hopes and fears about the birth and the future.

>> Next - pregnancy and contraception contacts >>