The use of alcohol during conception, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding can have serious consequences for the development of the baby. For this reason, it is recommended not to drink alcohol during this period. All alcohol consumed by the mother reaches the unborn child directly through the placenta. However, the child is not yet able to break this down properly, therefore it remains in the body longer. The exact consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy are difficult to predict, however, there are indications that consumption of less than one glass per day can already have negative consequences for the baby. This can be in the form of miscarriage, premature birth, fetal alcohol syndrome and even death. Problems in the development of the child can also arise after birth.

The use of drugs is strongly discouraged during pregnancy because it may have harmful effects on the development of the child. For caregivers of a pregnancy, it is important to know whether the mother has used drugs in the past, or during the pregnancy.

Smoking can reduce the chance of getting pregnant. Smoking and second-hand smoke during pregnancy can also have a harmful effect on the development of your child. Cigarettes contain harmful substances that reduce blood flow to the placenta and therefore, a reduced oxygen supply to your child.

As a result, the growth of the baby may lag behind and the physical condition may be impaired. Childbirth can be extra difficult for these children. It is therefore vital to stop smoking, preferably before and otherwise as soon as possible during pregnancy. Smoking less is good, but quitting is better. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and even stillbirth. After the birth, it is also important to not smoke near your baby. If this does happen, your child has a greater chance of cot death, asthma and behavioural disorders, among other things. The urgent advice to both parents-to-be is therefore to stop smoking. Quitting smoking can be very difficult, especially the first two weeks. Quitting tools, techniques or telephone coaching can be useful here.

Paracetamol (500 mg, without codeine) can be used incidentally up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. Always consult with your midwife or doctor for all other medication. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about your pregnancy. A local anaesthetic for treatment at the dentist is not a problem.

Do not use the sauna or tanning bed in the first three months of your pregnancy. There is a possibility that prolonged heating in the embryonic stage could affect development. We do not recommend the infrared sauna during the entire pregnancy. Even after the first three months, it is important that you take changes in your body into account. Drink plenty of fluids and take breaks on time.

Exercising is healthy – especially when you are pregnant. During pregnancy, your body changes, which means that your body also responds differently to sports. Pregnancy causes the ligaments to become a little looser, which increases the risk of spraining or overloading the joints and muscles. The uterus enlarges, causing the centre of gravity of your body to shift. This can change your sense of balance. Your body also absorbs carbohydrates faster. Exercise can speed up this absorption, which can lower your blood sugar level. Because you have accelerated breathing, you may get out of breath a little faster.

It is therefore very important to listen to your body during pregnancy. If you have abdominal pain after exercising, this is a sign that you have done too much. A few more tips:

• Drink enough before, during and after exercise;
• Provide a moderate effort so that you do not become exhausted or out of breath;
• Do not engage in any sport where there is a risk of abdominal injury, falls or strain on the joints;
• Exercise is very healthy and prepares you well for the effort involved in giving birth. So keep moving and go for a walk, for example, if you don't do sports.