One or two units a week is the recommended limit. Pregnant women should contact their GP if they are worried about complications, such as bleeding, swelling of the ankles, abdominal pain and headaches. Expectant mothers should avoid prescribed drugs and over the counter medicines unless advised otherwise by their doctor. They should also avoid hard drugs. Women should try to relax, particularly if they have had problems in previous pregnancies.
Research shows exhaustive work can bring on premature labour.
Uncooked meat and cat litter should be avoided or handled carefully as there is a risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, an infection which can cause brain defects in an unborn child. Regular visits to ante-natal clinics will allow pregnant women to get advice on how to stay healthy. The booklets are available from GP surgeries, Boots shops and ante-natal clinics. Boots and Tommy's Campaign are also launching a website for expectant fathers. According to a survey by Tommy's Campaign, these include whether it is safe to have sex during pregnancy, whether they will be put off by their partner's changing shape and whether they should attend the birth.