Pregnancy and parenting guides relaunched

The Department of Health has updated its pregnancy and parenting guides, issuing new advice on storing breastmilk and the best medicines to take during pregnancy.

The Pregnancy and the Birth to Five books have both been relaunched to take in the new changes.

Both books are given free to all pregnant women and new parents by their midwives and health visitors.

It is now safe for mothers to eat peanuts during pregnancy, pregnant women should not drink more than 200 mg of caffeine a day and information on medicines consumed during pregnancy are amongst some of the new guidelines included.

Health Minister Ann Keen said:  “Parents have told us how useful they find these books and the advice they give, and we’ve listened to their feedback on what extra information they need.  That’s why we’ve updated the Pregnancy and Birth to Five books to include more advice on the topics parents find most difficult including post natal depression and breast feeding.  I would encourage all parents to use these books and their midwife and health visitor to ensure they have all the information and support they need through pregnancy and early years.”