Supporting a healthy pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are steps you can take to support your and your baby’s health and reduce the risk of stillbirth.
Pregnancy care
Regular antenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife will monitor your health and your baby’s development throughout pregnancy. These appointments are also an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns.
If you need language support, interpreter services are available free of charge. Let your clinic know when booking if you require an interpreter.
Stillbirth
Most pregnancies end with a healthy baby. A small number of pregnancies end in stillbirth. In Australia, stillbirth is defined as when a baby dies after 20 weeks of pregnancy (or with a birthweight of at least 400g if the length of your pregnancy is not known).
Stillbirth can sometimes be prevented by following healthy pregnancy advice. However, not all stillbirths can be prevented. Stillbirth may occur due to medical or genetic conditions, infection, or complications during pregnancy. In some cases, the cause is not known. Support is available for families affected by stillbirth, including medical support from healthcare providers, emotional and mental health support such as counselling services, and community or peer support groups.
Support is available for families affected by stillbirth, including medical support from healthcare providers, counselling or mental health support, and community or peer support. This may include organisations such as Red Nose Australia and Stillbirth Foundation Australia.
Steps to a healthy pregnancy
There are several things you can do during pregnancy to reduce the risk of stillbirth.
1. Stop smoking
Smoking during pregnancy, including cigarettes, shisha, vaping and e-cigarettes, can harm your baby. It is recommended that you do not smoke during pregnancy and avoid being near people who are smoking.
2. Attend all antenatal appointments
Regular antenatal care helps your doctor or midwife monitor your baby’s growth and wellbeing. This allows any concerns to be identified early.
3. Monitor your baby’s movements
You will usually start to feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. It is important to become familiar with your baby’s usual movement pattern. If you notice your baby’s movements have reduced, changed, or stopped, contact your doctor or midwife immediately.
4. Sleep on your side
From around 28 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended that you go to sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back may reduce blood flow to your baby. If you wake up on your back, turn onto your side.
5. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the timing of birth
In some pregnancies, your doctor or midwife may discuss planning the timing of birth. This will depend on your individual circumstances and medical needs.
When to seek help
If you are concerned about your pregnancy, contact your doctor or midwife.
Seek prompt medical care if you experience:
If it is an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital.
You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak with a maternal child health nurse.
Access this information in your language
This information is available in English and 19 languages via the MyAus App.
More Information
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby - 1800 882 436
Pregnancy loss support: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/experiencing-a-pregnancy-loss
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