Pre-pregnancy planning

Planning for pregnancy often involves a thorough discussion with your GP about any existing health conditions you or your partner may have. This includes reviewing necessary blood tests, vaccinations, and evaluating your overall health and lifestyle. Your GP can help you address any potential concerns and optimize your well-being to support a healthy pregnancy.

• Immunization before pregnancy

• it's crucial to check your immunity against rubella and varicella (chickenpox). These common viral infections can have serious consequences for an unborn baby.

  If you find that you're not immune, the government provides the vaccine free of charge. However, it’s important to avoid trying to conceive for at least 4 weeks after receiving the vaccine to ensure its effectiveness.

Antenatal Shared Care

The return-to-work coordinator, appointed by your employer, oversees early intervention efforts, supports a smooth return-to-work process, and monitors rehabilitation programs to ensure they are appropriate.

They also help in selecting a suitable rehabilitation provider.

• Immunization during pregnancy

• Influenza vaccine is recommended at any stage of pregnancy to protect both you and your baby. Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe influenza due to a naturally weakened immune system, which can lead to complications or hospitalization. Since babies under 6 months cannot be vaccinated, getting the flu shot during pregnancy is the best way to safeguard your newborn.

• Whooping cough vaccine is recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, but can be given up to delivery. It protects your baby from whooping cough, a serious and potentially deadly disease. Vaccination allows antibodies to pass to your baby, offering protection until they receive their first immunizations at six weeks.