Most general wellbeing measures such as stopping smoking and not taking illegal drugs apply in pregnancy, but there are some areas in which extra care is needed, including:

• Food – dairy products must be pasteurised, which means many soft and blue cheeses are out, alongside goats’ milk and sheep’s milk. Raw and undercooked meat, as well as liver products such as pate and game meats should be avoided, and oily fish should be limited to twice a week
• Drinks – caffeine should be limited, and alcohol avoided completely
• Vitamins – folic acid is recommended for the first trimester, plus vitamin D. Anything containing vitamin A should be avoided
• Exercise – staying active is highly recommenced, but there may be a need to slow down or modify exercise as pregnancy progresses
• Sex – unless told otherwise, sex during pregnancy is fine
• Medicines – many medicines can cross the placenta, so it is sensible to ask advice before taking any prescribed medicine, over-the-counter product or alternative remedy
• Tracking movements – most pregnant women will have felt their baby move before they reach 24 weeks, and then this will continue up to and including labour. Advice should be sought if it slows down or stops.