Pregnancy support
Links to advice and information about pregnancy.
It is important to have a balanced and healthy lifestyle before and during your pregnancy.
It will help both you and your baby as it:
- promotes optimal growth and development
- supports overall physical and mental well-being
- reduces the risk of complications
Choosing a healthy lifestyle lays a foundation for a lifetime of good health.
Planning a pregnancy
Before you try to get pregnant, it’s important to:
- look at your lifestyle
- understand how pregnancy works
- learn how to stay healthy during pregnancy
This applies to men too. You’re more likely to get pregnant if both partners are in good health.
Visit the NHS website for advice on planning your pregnancy.
Find advice on health and wellbeing on the Cumberland Council website.
Find out if you’re pregnant
If you're not sure, you can:
- get a free test at a local clinic
- buy a test from a pharmacy or supermarket
If you're 25 or under, you can get free testing at your nearest sexual health centre.
Clinics can support you if you're unhappy about being pregnant. They’ll talk through your options with you.
Pregnancy stages
The NHS has advice on:
Free vitamins during pregnancy
You may be able to get free vitamins through the NHS Healthy Start scheme if you:
- are aged 18 or under
- get income-related benefits
Image
Some vaccines are perfectly safe to have during pregnancy and are recommended.
Other vaccines have potential risks, and you need to discuss these with your midwife or GP.
Read more about vaccination in pregnancy on the NHS website.
Advice and guidance on help with benefits, money and your parental rights.
The NHS has advice and guidance to help you prepare for birth: