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Preparing for your healthy pregnancy
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Publication date:
Date last updated:
Publication type:
Fact sheet
Audience:
General public
Language:
English
Preparing for your healthy pregnancy
Healthy lifestyle choices before, during and after pregnancy will benefit you and your baby now and in the future.
- Eat nutritious food and stay active to increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.
- Increase your folic acid intake to help protect your baby against neural tube defects.
- Increase your iodine intake for your baby’s brain development.
- Check your vaccinations are up to date, and iron levels are normal.
If you are having trouble becoming pregnant, talk to your health professional.
Tips
- Get plenty of sleep. Take care of yourself. Keep stress levels down.
- Reach out to your partner, friends, family or health professionals if you need support.
- Maintain a healthy weight to help with getting pregnant. If you are unsure what a healthy weight is for you, talk to your health professional.
- The health and weight of the baby’s father is important too – eat healthy and be active together.
- Eat healthy food and stay active.
- Increase your intake of folic acid and iodine through food and supplements.
- Limit caffeine intake from tea, coffee and soft drinks.
- Don’t drink alcohol.
- Don’t smoke.
- Speak with your health professional about your plans.
For more information about preparing for your healthy pregnancy visit health.gov.au/campaigns/your-healthy-pregnancy
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