Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body changes and a baby grows in the uterus. Register early with a maternity team for check-ups, discuss all medicines, take folic acid, avoid alcohol and drugs, and seek immediate help for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, breathlessness, a seizure or reduced consciousness.

• A missed period, tender breasts, nausea, tiredness and more frequent urination are common early on.
• Heartburn, constipation, back or pelvic symptoms, fluid retention and breathlessness on exertion may develop later.
• Make an early appointment with a local maternity team and bring a complete list of medicines, supplements and allergies.
• Use folic acid and other supplements only at the recommended dose; excessive vitamin A may be harmful.
• Call the maternity team the same day for bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, fever, fluid leakage, regular contractions or severe vomiting.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.