Your health during pregnancy

Your health during pregnancy

Your body will undergo changes due to pregnancy hormones and your growing baby. Minor discomforts include:

Talk with your midwife for advice on treating these discomforts. Almost all these conditions will rapidly improve after the birth of your baby.

Common pregnancy complications

While most pregnancies progress without incident, some pregnancies can involve complications that could harm the mother or the baby. However, it may reassure you that nothing you did cause these complications, and most complications are treatable. 

• The most common pregnancy health complications are:
• Gestational Diabetes
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum
• Preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Placenta Previa

Early detection and regular health care will increase the chances of keeping you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.

Alcohol and pregnancy

For the health of both mum and baby, it is important to have an alcohol-free pregnancy. 

This is because alcohol can harm your developing baby from the time you’re first pregnant. 

Most people don’t know the moment they become pregnant. So, if you’re planning a pregnancy, it is important to stop drinking alcohol as soon as you start trying.

The National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol advise that:

• If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should not drink alcohol, and
• When breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is safest for your baby.

If you drink alcohol at any stage of pregnancy, it goes straight to the baby via the placenta and can harm their developing brain, body, and organs. It can also increase the risk of: 

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight; and
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

If you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant and are worried, or if you are having trouble stopping drinking or using drugs, talk to your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician. 

Health professionals speak to lots of people about alcohol. They can answer your questions and provide advice.  If needed, together you can make a plan that’s right for you. 

It is never too late to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Throughout your pregnancy the baby is always developing and growing.

Jen's story

About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

FASD is a lifelong condition/disability caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. It is the most common preventable developmental disability in Australia. 

Many people with FASD: 

• Take longer for their body and emotions to develop
• Have learning problems, such as trouble with memory, attention and language skills
• Have difficulty controlling their behaviour. 

A person living with FASD has their own strengths and challenges. It can really help to get a diagnosis and support early on.

Learn more about FASD

Jessica’s story

Alcohol and breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is safest for your baby.

We want to give our babies the best start in life – and to help them be well-fed, settled, and healthy. That’s why, when breastfeeding, it’s important to make sure the breastmilk your baby drinks is alcohol-free.

If you drink alcohol, it passes from your bloodstream into your breastmilk. While there is alcohol in your blood, it is also in your breastmilk.

Even small amounts of alcohol can disrupt your baby’s sleep and make feeding harder because it can reduce your milk supply and slow the flow of milk.

Your baby’s brain continues to develop after birth, and is more sensitive to the harms of alcohol than an adult brain. Alcohol has been linked to lower language skills [1], lower cognitive ability [2] and slowed growth in early childhood [3].

If you do drink alcohol, you can do these things to make sure your breastmilk is alcohol-free:

• wait two hours per standard drink before feeding your baby, using the Feed Safe app to know when your breastmilk is alcohol-free, or 
• express before you drink so your baby can be fed expressed milk that is alcohol-free.

Learn more about alcohol and breastfeeding

Jenny's story

Getting support 

If you are pregnant and have questions or worries about alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician, and together plan what’s right for you. 

There are also a range of services that can support you or a family member with alcohol, physical and mental health, as well as services for people who are pregnant and need support to stop alcohol and/or drug use.

For more information and support:

• Tasmanian pregnancy, birth and early parenting
• Other support services

BMI and recommended weight gain for pregnancy

Recommended weight gain for single pregnancy

First trimester (3 months) - One to two kilograms in the first three months of pregnancy

Second and third trimesters

Recommended weight gain for twins or triplet pregnancy

Braxton Hicks contractions

• Braxton Hicks contractions are painless and harmless tightening of your uterus.
• They are not labour contractions.
• They are common from 20 weeks onwards.

How to alleviate Braxton Hicks

You can help alleviating Braxton Hicks by:

• being well hydrated
• change positions or lie down on your left side
• ensure you have emptied your bladder recently.

If you are concerned that your contractions are more than Braxton Hicks, please contact your midwife.

Cultural or religious practices

Fasting for religious or other reasons

• You may choose to fast at times during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to religious or other reasons.
• To help you make an informed choice about fasting, please discuss this at your antenatal visits.

Traditional cutting and female circumcision

• Your midwife or doctor may ask you about traditional cutting and female circumcision if you are from a cultural background where this is a traditional practice.
• If you have experienced this in any form, it is important you see a doctor during your antenatal care to discuss any special requirements for the birth of your baby.
• Awareness of the circumstances before your baby’s birth is very important as it allows discussion of any needs and postnatal expectations.

Dental care

• Pregnancy hormonal changes can lead to dental problems.
• These include tooth decay and gingivitis (where gums become red and bleed easily).
• Twice daily dental care is important whilst pregnant.
• If you make a dental appointment during pregnancy, x-rays or local anaesthetic may be required.
• Please let your dentist know that you are pregnant.
• Gum disease or bacterial infection can be linked with low birth weight and premature infants.

Find out more about dental care through pregnancy

Drugs and pregnancy

• There is no safe level of illicit (illegal) drug use in pregnancy.
• Some legally prescribed medications and complementary medicines can harm your unborn or breastfeeding baby.
• Many drugs can cross the placenta and harm your child.
• It is important to tell your midwife if you are taking any drugs (including over-the-counter medicine).
• It can also be dangerous to stop taking your medication. Please get medical advice prior to changes.
• If you use drugs while pregnant, your baby may have lower intelligence and behavioural problems.
• Your baby may go through withdrawal symptoms and need special care.
• There is also a risk of stillbirth or premature birth. This can cause health issues for your baby.

Natural or alternative remedies

• Natural or alternative remedies may also be drugs.
• Do not take any alternative remedies unless directed by your doctor or an accredited therapist.
• Midwives are not able to advise or educate you in about natural and alternate therapies.

Emotional changes during pregnancy

• You may feel sad and teary for what may appear to be no apparent reason.
• Hormones of pregnancy are likely to be the cause of these emotional changes.
• When booking into the hospital we will ask you to fill out a form that evaluates your emotional wellbeing. 
• This is called the Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale. It will be completed before and after birth.
• We may refer you to discuss with your doctor or the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service.
• It is important to discuss your feelings during pregnancy with your partner, family and health professionals.

Depression and anxiety

• Depression and anxiety can happen at any time.
• You may be more likely to be affected by depression and anxiety or stress during the perinatal period.
• We can refer you to see a social worker or your GP for ongoing specialised care.
• Pregnancy and parenting can bring new challenges for all family members, including dads and partners.

Where to access emotional support

Emotionally and physical support is important during your pregnancy and following birth. If you require help:

• Speak with your midwife
• Call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or visit the Beyond Blue website
• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline Australia website
• Call Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia on 1300 726 306 or visit the PANDA website
• Visit the Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

Exercising while pregnant

It is important to remain active during your pregnancy. Being active can help with:

• weight management
• building stamina
• muscle strength
• improve circulation
• help your body prepare your labour.

Types of exercise

• Walking, swimming, supervised pregnancy pilates and yoga are fine to continue while pregnant.
• It is important to remember that normal exercise should not cause pain and overheating during pregnancy can be harmful for your unborn baby. Drink plenty of water during and after exercise. Do not exercise during extreme heat. Learn more about pregnancy during extreme heat.
• For further information please visit Continence Foundation of Australia or Pregnancy Birth and Baby

Sex during pregnancy

• If you are experiencing a normal healthy pregnancy and you enjoy sex, there is no reason not to.
• It will not harm you or your baby.
• Talk with your midwife or doctor if spotting occurs during or after intercourse (this can be normal).
• Any bleeding in pregnancy needs reviewing.

When to avoid sex during pregnancy

Sexual intercourse is not advised in some pregnancies if you:

• you have heavy bleeding
• you had previous miscarriages
• your waters have broken.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Some STIs can harm your fertility and unborn baby and cause premature births and newborn infections.
• We do some antenatal testing, but if you are concerned, please speak to your doctor or midwife.
• You can also access further information about STI’s on the Australian Government’s HealthDirect website.

Smoking and pregnancy

• There are many health risks associated with tobacco for both you and your baby.
• Smoking increases your risk of having a miscarriage, premature birth or a stillbirth.
• Babies whose mothers smoke tend to be small for their age.
• This can mean poorly developed organs and breathing problems.
• Talk to your doctor or midwife for a referral to the Smoking Cessation Service.
• Alternatively visit Quit Tasmania website phone 13 QUIT (13 78 48) for further details. 
• An Aboriginal Quitline Counsellor is also available.

Travelling while pregnant

• You must always wear a seatbelt during your pregnancy.
• The lap sash should be worn around your hips but under your pregnant belly.
• The shoulder strap should be above your belly and between your breasts.
• If you plan to travel within Australia or overseas, please consult with your midwife or doctor.

Vaccination advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For current advice about pregnancy and coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit:

• Coronavirus Tas website
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website

Influenza (Flu)

• All pregnant women are eligible to receive a free fu vaccine every year.
• It is safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
• Vaccination may protect your and your unborn child from severe illness and hospitalisation.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

• Whooping cough is an extremely contagious respiratory infection which gives violent coughing spasms.
• It can cause sleep disturbances, vomiting, rib fractures, pneumonia and in rare cases fatality in adults.
• For the first six weeks of baby’s life, they have no immunity against whooping cough.
• If they contract whooping cough, it can cause serious complications like pneumonia and fatality.
• It is safe for pregnant women to receive the Pertussis Vaccine after 20 weeks.
• I you receive the vaccine before 32 weeks, your baby will more likely have full benefit.
• For advice, speak to your doctor, immunisation provider or visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

• VTE is where a blood clot develops within the deep veins of the leg.
• VTE may causing potential blood vessel obstruction to important organs like the lungs.
• As blood clots can restrict blood flow, they can potentially lead to lifelong complications or death.
• VTE can be prevented and there is effective treatment if it is diagnosed.

Symptoms of VTE

Risk factors for VTE

• VTE does not always have symptoms, so it is important to understand the risk factors.
• Obesity, elevated blood pressure, smoking or caesarean birth may increase the risk of VTE.

Screening for VTE

• Your midwife will book in a screening to see if you are at risk of a VTE.
• If you are worried about symptoms, please let your midwife or doctor know.
• Find out more about VTE on the Australian Government HealthDirect website.