ABSTRACT
Health professionals (HPs) and written material usually advise moderate exercise in pregnancy but little data are available about women’s behaviour in relation to general or specific instructions. Smoking in pregnancy is associated with significant effects on the foetus, including intrauterine growth retardation and infant morbidity and mortality. Illicit use of drugs is an increasing problem and one which has significant implications for pregnancy and parenthood. Diabetes mellitus is a complex condition, with particular implications during pregnancy. Some of the potential problems are initial acceptance of the condition, knowledge about practical aspects, management of dietary restrictions and fears about self -injection. A high risk pregnancy may result in an infant with medical problems, usually due to prematurity. The literature on pregnancy demonstrates that women want to do the best for their baby and are able to make changes to their lifestyle and follow advice from HPs.
