Health and wellbeing during pregnancy
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important during pregnancy for your own well-being, and that of your growing baby. A healthy lifestyle means eating a healthy well-balanced diet, staying active and abstaining from substance use such as alcohol, smoking/vaping and illicit drugs. You can speak to your midwife or GP if you require any additional information or support for a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
As your baby grows, it is normal and healthy to gain weight during your pregnancy. It is important to gain the right amount of weight as too much or too little weight gain can place you and your baby at risk of complications during the pregnancy, at birth and later in life. A healthy weight gain is different for all women, and is largely determined by your pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI). You can calculate how much weight gain is right for you using the online pregnancy weight gain calculator.
As part of your antenatal care, you will be offered referral to the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service. Get Healthy in Pregnancy is a free health coaching service for all pregnant women in NSW. Professional phone-based health coaches support you to develop motivation and tools to help you stay healthy during your journey from pregnancy, to birth and beyond. You can choose the number of coaching calls you want and schedule them at a time that works best for you. Usually, health coaches will work with you for up to 6 months, or until you reach your goals.
You can also self-refer to the service by calling 1300 806 258.
What other pregnant women on the Mid North Coast are saying about the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service
“Service is great, being able to arrange a date and time to suit on the phone and getting reminder texts makes it easy to fit into my schedule. The topics are catered to my specific needs, I feel supported that I am getting individualised information”.
Natasha
“Phone call appointments are always friendly and informative. Every fortnight I am given a goal, in which I have been able to successfully succeed in. I look forward to my appointments and setting new goals, asking questions and being informed about getting healthy during pregnancy. I feel supported.”
Melanie
Smoking and vaping cessation is extremely important in reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth, as well as improving your babies’ health outcomes. Cessation even in the later stages of pregnancy has been shown to improve babies and mothers’ health outcomes. There are services in place to assist you to with stopping during pregnancy, including free starter packs for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) and referral to the Quitline.
Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood is a time of great change and many women experience some degree of change in emotions. It often helps to talk about how you’re feeling with your partner or a trusted friend. If you feel you would benefit from additional support there are many organisations that can assist you:
Perinatal mental health
- beyond blue – Just Speak Up – 1300 224 636
- PANDA National Helpline (Mon to Sat, 9am to 7.30pm AEST/AEDT) 1300 726 306
Mental health support
- Black Dog Institute – (02) 9382 2991
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24hr service)
- SANE Australia – 1800 187 263
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978 (24hr service)
- Pregnancy, birth & baby – 1800 882 436 (24hr service)
If you have any concerns or are worried about the health of you or your baby you can contact the maternity unit outside of your scheduled antenatal appointment. The midwife will ask questions about your pregnancy and your concerns and may also suggest you come to the hospital for further assessment.