Managing your current health conditions and medications plus free health care available during pregnancy.
Current medication
Some medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but others are not. If you are already taking any medications, speak to your GP about whether they are safe. Don’t stop taking any medications or reduce the dosage without speaking to your doctor.
If your GP or another doctor needs to prescribe any new medication for you during your pregnancy, they will check to make sure that it’s safe – make sure that they know you are pregnant. You can speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Current health conditions
If you have any pre-existing health conditions, you should make an appointment to see your GP when you are trying to conceive for pre-conception advice or when you find out that you’re pregnant. This will give them the opportunity to review any medication you’re taking, and see whether you need additional care to keep you and your baby well. If you have been diagnosed with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy or thyroid issues, you should see your GP as early as possible in your pregnancy.
It’s also really important to tell your midwife about any pre-existing conditions at your booking appointment, and any other healthcare professionals you see during your pregnancy. This includes allergies, conditions you’ve suffered from previously, and any previous surgeries (including cosmetic procedures). This will ensure they can give you appropriate care, and monitor your health more carefully if needed.
If you are under the care of a consultant for your condition, it’s a good idea to inform them about your pregnancy. They can discuss any potential impact of pregnancy on your condition, and vice versa, and they can be involved in putting together your care plan. If they do have specific advice, ask them to write a summary that can be put into your antenatal notes, as not all hospitals and departments in Dorset share notes automatically.
Dental and eye care
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause bleeding gums, so it’s really important that you brush your teeth well twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to avoid tooth decay.
NHS dental care is free during pregnancy and until your baby is one year old. We recommend that all pregnant women visit a dentist during pregnancy, especially if you are suffering from sore or bleeding gums.
Pregnancy itself can cause changes to your vision, as well as dry eyes. If you are having problems with your vision, you should arrange to see an optician.