Having regular prenatal checkups and starting them early helps a pregnant woman and her baby stay healthy. Early prenatal care increases the chance of a healthy delivery.
Vaccines
Vaccines, or immunizations, are safe. They prevent many diseases and illnesses.
Before pregnancy is the best time to make sure your vaccines are up-to-date. Some vaccines, like the flu shot and the whooping cough vaccine, are safe and recommended to have during pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines can help keep you and your baby healthy.
Parental appointments are a good time to talk about vaccines you can get during pregnancy and have an appointment and have a discussion about the importance of primary childhood immunizations.
Infants under six months cannot get a flu shot. To protect babies, it is important that parents and other family members at home get a flu shot. It is free at your community health centre.
For more information, visit Vaccines.
Smoke -free pregnancy
An upcoming pregnancy is a good time for women, parents, and family members to cut down or quit smoking. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
If a woman or her partner, family, or friends smoke, it is better to smoke outside and away from the baby and pregnant woman. Make homes and amautiit smoke-free! A smoke-free environment has no cigarette or marijuana (cannabis) smoke. For more information, visit Tobacco Reduction Program or cannabis pages on website.
Alcohol-free Pregnancy
It's safest not to use any drugs or drink alcohol while you are pregnant. If you need help or have questions about how to quit drinking while pregnant, talk to a health care provider, or someone you trust. Ask for their support in reducing your use.
Let's all support alcohol-free pregnancies. Partners and friends: You can help!
- Take a 'pause' from alcohol or drugs yourself
- Offer non-alcoholic drinks
- Do activities together that don't involve alcohol or drugs
- Help reduce the stress in her life - ask her for specific details of how you might do this!
Drinking alcohol while pregnant can affect the way a baby grows. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is caused by exposure to alcohol while an unborn baby is still developing. The effects of FASD can include lifelong physical, mental, and behavioural difficulties, as well as learning disabilities. Support is available - talk to your healthcare provider about FASD assessment options for Nunavummiut.
FAQs about FASD
Is there a safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant?
It is safest not to drink any alcohol during pregnancy. Beer, wine, and liquor all have the unsafe effects on the baby. If you are having trouble thinking about how to cut down, talk to your healthcare provider about getting support.
Is there a safe time to drink during pregnancy?
There is no known safe time to drink alcohol while pregnant. A baby's brain continues to develop for the whole nine months. The first trimester (first three months of pregnancy) is an especially important time, so take care of yourself and get support in staying alcohol-free if you need it.
What if I just found out I'm pregnant and have been drinking?
Stop drinking as soon as you know you're pregnant. Stopping at any time makes a difference, since a baby's brain continues to develop. if you have concerns about your baby's health, talk to your healthcare provider.
To learn more about FASD, talk to a healthcare provider or visit your community health centre.
