Looking after your health in early pregnancy supports both you and your baby.
Eating well and food safety
A balanced diet supports your body during pregnancy and helps your baby grow and develop. Some nutrients, such as folate, iodine and iron, are especially important in the first trimester.
Food safety also matters. Certain infections, such as listeria, salmonella and toxoplasmosis, can be more serious during pregnancy and may affect your baby. Reducing your risk of infection includes choosing and preparing food safely, avoiding higher-risk foods, and following food safety advice during pregnancy.
Learn more
Pregnancy and diet | Better Health Channel
Food safety and storage | Better Health Channel
Physical activity
Regular, gentle activity is safe for most people and can support physical and mental wellbeing. Pelvic floor exercises may also help during and after pregnancy.
Your maternity care provider can provide information about your individual circumstances if you are concerned or unsure.
Learn more
Pregnancy and exercise | Better Health Channel
Weight changes
Weight changes during pregnancy are expected and important to support your baby’s growth. The range considered optimal for weight gain in pregnancy will differ from person to person and depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, your baby’s growth and other factors.
Your maternity health care provider can help you optimise your weight for the benefit of your health and the health of your baby.
Learn more
Weight gain in pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth & Baby
Dental health
Seeing your dentist during pregnancy is safe and encouraged. Factors like hormonal changes and morning sickness can contribute to damage to teeth and gums. Poor oral health has been linked to premature birth or low birth weight.
In Victoria, pregnant people who are eligible for public dental services receive priority access to care. Public dental care is available at low cost for Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card holders. RRefugees and asylum seekers can access public dental services free of charge, even without a Medicare card, through community dental clinics and the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne.
Learn more
Pregnancy and teeth | Better Health Channel
Access to Victoria's public dental care services | health.vic.gov.au
Dental services for people seeking asylum seekers | rdhm.org.au
Caring for your teeth while pregnant | VACCHO
Drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping
Tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs or misuse of prescription drugs by pregnant women can have severe health consequences for infants.
Where to get help
Quit
Support and expert tips to help you quit smoking or vaping.
SISTAQUIT
Support for pregnant gene and Torres Strait Islander women who want to quit smoking/vaping.
National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline | Lifeline
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015.
Alcohol and Other Drug Services | Health.vic.gov
People who require treatment, information or advice for alcohol and drug-related issues may contact DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or your local intake provider.
Learn more
Pregnancy - medication, drugs and alcohol | Better Health Channel
Alcohol and pregnancy | Better Health Channel
Smoking and pregnancy | Better Health Channel
Emotional wellbeing
Changes in mood are common in early pregnancy. If you feel persistently low, anxious or overwhelmed, support is available.
Learn more
Mental health and wellbeing | Pregnancy Birth & Baby
Pregnancy and your mental health | Better Health Channel
Where to get help
COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)
Find information and support to mothers and families during the journey of parenthood.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
Find mental health and wellbeing support for parents and families during pregnancy, throughout the first year of parenthood, and following pregnancy loss. PANDA can also support clinicians who have experienced vicarious trauma.
For When (Helpline)
This free national helpline that connects pregnant people, new parents and families with local perinatal mental health support and services.