Keeping well during pregnancy

Information about how to look after yourself and your baby while you are pregnant.

Finding out you're pregnant

You should contact your GP surgery or local midwife service as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (before 8 weeks into the pregnancy).

Exercise in pregnancy

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain.

Why your weight matters in pregnancy

Most women who are overweight have a straightforward pregnancy and birth and go on to have a healthy baby, however, being overweight does increase the risk of complications for you and your baby.

Sex in pregnancy

It’s perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife has told you not to.

Smoking in pregnancy and help to stop

If you are pregnant and are a smoker it is really important for you to stop smoking for your health and the health of your unborn baby.

Perinatal Mental Health

The perinatal period includes your pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period up until your baby reaches one year of age.

Sussex Local Maternity and Neonatal System

Sussex Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) are here to support maternity service teams and service users across Sussex.

Vaccinations in pregnancy

Some vaccines, such as the inactivated seasonal flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccine, are recommended during pregnancy to protect the health of you and your baby.

Pregnancy complications

Read about pregnancy complications and when you should get help.

Pregnancy and COVID-19

If you’re pregnant, you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.