Have a healthy pregnancy
It’s important to have a healthy pregnancy. There are things you can do for you and your baby to help give them a healthy start.
Pregnancy classes, groups and programs
SMILE prenatal classes (for young parents)
Free online breastfeeding program
For an easy to read book about pregnancy and birth, try a healthy start for baby and me.
Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC)
The Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program is a free program to help children get a healthy start in life. We can support you while you are pregnant, after the baby is born and as your child grows.
Public health nurses and family visitors offer programs, services and home visits. They are free and ensure you get the information and support you need. Having a baby can be both an exciting and challenging time. You may have questions and need support adjusting to pregnancy and life with a baby.
We can help you learn about: |
To learn more about the HBHC program, call the Durham Health Connection Line. |
Food 4 Thought
Food 4 Thought is a weekly drop-in program for pregnant women under 26 years of age facing challenging life situations. Support, information and free groceries are provided.
For additional information on local services, check out Baby on the Way?
Active living |
Being active can:
If you have not been physically active before, it's not too late to start. Talk to your health care provider before changing or beginning any physical activity routine.
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Healthy eating |
You can find out more about nutrition and healthy weight gain from the following resources: |
Smoke-free pregnancy |
If you are pregnant, try to stop smoking. If you cannot quit, try to smoke less. Quitting smoking is not easy. It is important to get help and support. Talk to your health care provider. Second-hand smoke (the smoke you breathe if someone else smokes) is harmful. If your partner or friends are smoking, ask them to smoke outside. If you are thinking of quitting smoking, remember:
For more information, read smoking during pregnancy. You can read more about making your home smoke-free by reading your child is worth it. Additional resources
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Alcohol |
Your baby's brain and body are growing throughout pregnancy. It needs the healthiest environment possible. Talk to your health care provider about alcohol during pregnancy. |
Substance use |
Using substances such as marijuana, opiates or tobacco while you are pregnant can be harmful to you and your baby. Talk to your health care provider about any substances you are using during pregnancy. |
Physical changes to your body |
It is normal to experience many changes during pregnancy while your baby grows. Your relationship with others will also change. This includes your partner, your family and your friends.
Physical changes during pregnancy may include:
To help cope with these changes you can:
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Nausea and vomiting |
Many women will have nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It often starts in the early weeks then goes away. For some women, it does not go away.
Tips for nausea and vomiting
If you are having a lot of nausea and vomiting, you can also read tips to help you feel better during pregnancy. Remember to talk to your health care provider before taking any medications to help you cope with nausea and vomiting. |
Emotional changes |
Normal feelings can include:
Take care of yourself by:
While these feelings are normal, there are some feelings that might be symptoms of depression or anxiety during pregnancy. |
Depression or anxiety during pregnancy |
Women who experience depression during pregnancy are sad and have less interest in things they usually enjoy. Other women may feel anxious.
Some feelings that women may have include:
Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you have any of these concerns. If you feel symptoms like these or others for more than two weeks, it is very important to talk to your health care provider. For more information, read pregnancy is not always what you expect. |
Working during pregnancy |
Does your work involve any of the following?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions or if you have questions about your work setting, talk to your health care provider for advice. Where can I get more information?
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Infections in pregnancy |
For more information, visit infections in pregnancy |
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