Vaccinations
Flu vaccination
Pregnant women are known to be at increased risk from the complications of flu, and so we recommend vaccination for all pregnant women.
Flu vaccination is safe in pregnancy and having the vaccine could help you to avoid catching the flu and could help to protect your baby. Studies have shown that vaccination during pregnancy can continue to provide protection against flu to babies after they are born, and for their first few months of life.
Flu vaccination is carried out between October and March each year.
Pregnant women who wish to get the flu vaccine are advised to discuss with their community midwife or contact the Maternity Assessment Unit to arrange an appointment.
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination
Scotland, like the rest of the UK, has experienced a large national outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in recent years.
Young infants are at the highest risk of complications and death from Bordetella pertussis infection. To protect young infants in the first few weeks of life, we offer pertussis vaccination to all pregnant women from 16 weeks gestation.
The vaccination is most effective between 16 and 32 weeks, however, you can have it at any time.
Deciding how to feed your baby
How you feed your baby is up to you. Breastfeeding is recommended for a number of reasons. You can find out more in ‘Off to a Good Start’ from Public Health Scotland.
Everyone is different, so choose what’s right for you and your baby. You will be supported to feed your baby safely whatever you decide.
Both Ayrshire Maternity Unit and Arran War Memorial Hospital have Baby Friendly accreditation. This means that mothers can expect best-practice standards of care in relation to infant feeding.
Feeling well during pregnancy
Looking after yourself while you are pregnant and taking time to relax can help your baby grow and develop. Sometimes it is difficult to avoid being stressed or busy.
Exercise during pregnancy
Exercise is one way to stay healthy in pregnancy. Regular exercise is good for you and your baby. Swimming and walking are good activities.
Avoid contact sports and don’t take up anything new during pregnancy. Gradually reduce the amount of exercise you do as your pregnancy progresses.
If you have exercised prior to becoming pregnant, then you should discuss with your fitness instructor if it is suitable for you to continue.
Physiotherapy in pregnancy
Early Pregnancy Class (12-20 weeks)
- We recommend you attend the early pregnancy class to find out how to look after your body as it changes.
- Participate in appropriate exercise to help keep you fit for pregnancy and prevent problems from developing.
Pelvic Girdle Pain Group
- Should you develop pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain or back pain, this class offers advice and support to help you manage this pain.
- The class will include exercises, relaxation, and coping mechanisms.
Post Natal Shape-Up Class
- You can self-refer via AMU reception (telephone number at the end of the booklet).
- You can also use this link where you will find further information. It is free to download and print.
- Remember to talk to your midwife if you have any questions.
Smoking during pregnancy
Smoking is hazardous to health, particularly in pregnancy, and interferes with the growth and development of your baby.
We offer all women carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring at their first midwife appointment. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which you cannot see or smell and it can be harmful to your developing baby.
If you are a smoker or have a raised CO level, we will refer you to the “Quit your way” service for advice on smoking cessation and/or advice on second-hand smoke.
We can give help and support to women who wish to stop smoking. If you smoke, we strongly advise you to take up this offer with your hospital or community midwife.
Alcohol during pregnancy
If you are pregnant it is important to remember that drinking alcohol while pregnant can put your baby at risk.
It is unknown if there is a safe amount of alcohol that you can drink when you are pregnant. However, we do know that even small amounts of alcohol cross over the placenta into your baby’s circulation and may cause harm.
The Chief Medical Officers’ guideline states that if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all, to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to your baby. The more you drink, the greater the risk.