PREGNANCY


Around 92% of couples will become pregnant after two years of trying for a baby2


. Lifestyle plays an important


role in promoting a successful, uncomplicated pregnancy. Table 1 outlines some of the advice that can be provided to patients who are trying to conceive.


LIFESTYLE DURING PREGNANCY Lifestyle has a big influence on pregnancy. Exercise is important, as physical fitness can lead to a healthier pregnancy. For those who don’t exercise regularly and want to start exercising whilst pregnant, good advice is to begin with walks or gentle swimming. Most forms of exercise are fine to be continued throughout pregnancy, however women should be advised to avoid contact sports, horse riding, cycling, scuba diving and exercising at high altitudes. Pelvic floor exercises are recommended and should be continued throughout life in order to prevent stress incontinence1. In the first trimester and in the last few weeks of the third trimester, women can feel very tired. Adjustments to normal routine can help women to


ALVITA® PREGNANCY TESTS


For women who believe they may be pregnant, an accurate and easy to use test is vital. Alvita, the trusted own brand from Alliance Healthcare, offers a range of pregnancy and ovulation tests to suit your patient needs.


The standard Pregnancy Test, available in a single pack and double pack, is easy to use and 99% accurate, with results in 1 minute.


The Early Response Pregnancy Test can be used up to 4 days before the period is due. The result is displayed after 2 minutes, and the test is over 99% accurate when used from the day the period is due.


The Ovulation Test, which comes in a pack of 7, is simple to use, easy to read and suggests the best two days for conception.


Benefitting from the sharing of synergies within Walgreens Alliance Boots, Alvita is available exclusively from Alliance Healthcare, making them quality products at a competitive price, with daily delivery and reliable customer service support.


Alvita pregnancy and ovulation tests can be ordered via the PMR system or by contacting your local Alliance Healthcare Customer Services team.


The Alvita diagnostics range also includes blood pressure monitors and thermometers.


For more information on Alvita® products:


Telephone: 020 3044 8398 Email: alvita@alliance-healthcare.co.uk


40 - SCOTTISH PHARMACIST


cope with tiredness; they should be advised to rest when they can. Although evidence is unclear, there may be an increase in miscarriages and infertility with stress.


Smoking in pregnancy is associated with stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight infants. Men who smoke tend to have a lower sperm count2


.


Women who smoke can take longer to conceive. NHS Scotland advises it is best to wait 3-4 months after quitting smoking before trying to conceive. There are also lower incidences of cot death in households of non- smokers. Pharmacists are well-placed in community to provide the smoking cessation service and to assist couples in quitting smoking.


DIET DURING PREGNANCY Diet is important in pregnancy as there are a range of foods that are considered unsafe in large quantities and others which should be avoided altogether. Table 2 below highlights some of the foods


MEDICINES AND SUPPLEMENTS


Since the thalidomide tragedy of the 1960s, medicine usage in pregnancy has become an important topic. The general rule for prescribing in pregnancy is that no harm should come to the mother or baby as a result of a medical condition being inadequately treated, however of equal importance is the protection of the developing baby from the adverse effects of any medicines used to treat a medical condition. The placental barrier does not protect a foetus from medicines; most medicines cross the placenta to a degree. Ideally, no medicines should be prescribed in pregnancy but this is not possible for women with medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy1


. Drugs should


be prescribed only where the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any risk to the foetus.


Folic acid is recommended by the Department of Health prior to conception and during pregnancy. In high risk individuals, a dose of 5mg of folic acid is recommended daily. According to PatientPlus, high risk individuals include those who have


ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES PHARMACY EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH DIARYDOLL


Alliance Healthcare is pleased to announce that it will be the sole pharmacy wholesale supplier for the popular underwear range, DiaryDoll.


Developed by tennis star Annabel Croft, and TV presenter Carol Smillie, DiaryDoll is a range of lightweight, super soft pants, which contain a secret waterproof panel to protect clothing against any embarrassing leaks - perfect for heavy periods, pelvic floor weakness and post-maternity problems. DiaryDolls are machine washable, not bulky or crackly and look and feel like every day pants.


DiaryDoll pants are available in baby pink or jet black, in sizes 6-20.


DiaryDoll also works closely with Endometriosis UK, helping some of the 1.5 million British women who suffer with heavy periods, and have partnered with the Scottish netball team, The Thistles, who are ambassadors for the brand. For more information about DiaryDoll, please visit: www.diarydoll.com


a neural tube defect or their partner has a neural tube defect, Crohn’s disease, Type 1 or 2 diabetes, those taking anti-epileptic medication, and those with a family history of neural tube defects. Women with haemolytic anaemia are advised to take 5-10mg folic acid daily until the birth of their baby. Research has suggested folic acid supplementation is decreasing; one study completed in a London hospital found that women taking folic acid had decreased from 35% in 1999-2001 to 31% from 2011-20121


Short term effects of vitamin D


REFERENCES 1 Women’s Health: Pregnancy. 2015. NI Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development. Available at: http:// www.nicpld.org/online/pregnancy/#m2- introduction [Accessed 6/5/15]


2 Ready Steady Baby. NHS Health Scotland. 2012. Available at: http:// www.readysteadybaby.org.uk/ trying-for-a-baby/plan.aspx [Accessed 06/05/15]


3 NHS Choices. Foods to avoid in pregnancy. 2015. Available at: http:// www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and- baby/pages/foods-to-avoid-pregnant. aspx#Vitamin [Accessed 10/5/15]


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