During pregnancy
Pregnancy, prenatal care and your health
Congratulations! You’re having a baby! The birth of a child is a very special time in someone’s life. Public Health Sudbury & Districts has a number of resources available to provide you with current and insightful information about pregnancy and caring for a newborn.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is important because it is the natural food for babies.
All babies need vitamin D. Babies who are breastfed need 400 IU of vitamin D daily, for as long as breastfeeding continues. Visit Public Health Sudbury & Districts Breastfeeding page for more information.
Physical activity and pregnancy
There are many health benefits of being physically active during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week over a minimum of 3 days per week. Be active in a variety of ways every day!
Learn more about the Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy (Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology). Always have a conversation with your health care provider about your physical activity during pregnancy.
Healthy eating and pregnancy
Your baby relies on the foods you eat to grow and develop. To learn how a healthy balanced diet can support a healthy pregnancy, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts Healthy Eating and Pregnancy page.
Your nutrient needs increase during pregnancy. All women who are pregnant need a vitamin and mineral supplement with 0.4 mg of folic acid and 16 to 20 mg of iron every day. Some women may need more. Talk to your health care provider about which vitamin and mineral supplement is right for you.
Some foods are not safe during pregnancy. Learn more about which foods to limit and avoid during pregnancy, visit the Unlockfood.ca website.
Stress and emotional health: Pregnancy
The changes that occur during pregnancy can cause worry and anxiety for many women as well as their partners. To learn more about how to cope with these changes and where to find help and support, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts stress and emotional health during pregnancy page.
Pregnancy and abuse
Abuse can come in many different forms: physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, spiritual, and financial. It is important to know that help is available to you if you are in an abusive situation. To learn more about where to find help, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts pregnancy and abuse page.
Work and pregnancy
A safe work environment is important to consider during your pregnancy. For tips and precautions to ensure you and your baby’s safety during your pregnancy, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts workplace health during pregnancy page.
Street drugs and pregnancy
Using illegal street drugs during pregnancy can cause harm to both you and your baby. To learn more about the risks of using drugs during pregnancy, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts street drugs and pregnancy page.
Medication and pregnancy
Some medications that are taken during pregnancy can be harmful to an unborn child. Visit Public Health Sudbury & Districts medications and pregnancy page for more information.
Smoking and pregnancy
Living tobacco free is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect the health of your baby. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts smoking and pregnancy page.
Alcohol and pregnancy
Alcohol and pregnancy do not mix, ever. There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
The Public Health Agency of Canada outlines why women should avoid alcohol during pregnancy, including the definition of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and commonly asked questions related to alcohol and pregnancy.
Cannabis and pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use cannabis, in any form, while they are pregnant, as the toxins in cannabis can transfer to the baby. The use of cannabis during pregnancy can result in less oxygen supply to the baby, low birth weight and long-term developmental delays. To learn more, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts Cannabis: Preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding page, or Risks of Cannabis on Fertility, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Parenting by Best Start.
This item was last modified on March 28, 2024