Public health

Throughout this section information and resources are available on specific public health concerns including smoking in pregnancy, influenza, mental health, domestic abuse and nutrition.

Influenza is a public health concern and information is available from a range of sources addressing flu and specifically swine flu in pregnancy.

• The previous government issued Pregnancy breastfeeding and swine flu A/H1N1
• The Nursing and Midwifery Council have produced Influenza pandemic: NMC position statement and general information
• The Scottish Government have produced If you're pregnant... don't let flu turn on you! Know the facts.
• UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative provide information on Breastfeeding and swine flu 

NICE Guidelines

In June 2010, NICE published public health guidance on quitting smoking in pregnancy and following childbirth. The guidance How to stop smoking in pregnancy and following childbirth guidance updates recommendations on smoking in NICE's clinical guideline on antenatal care.

There is further NICE guidance addressing mental health and nutrition surrounding pregnancy.

Scotland

The Better Health, Better Care: Action Plan, published in 2007, sets out the Government's programme to deliver a healthier Scotland by helping people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care. The Best Possible Start section is of particular interest to the NCT