'The pregnancy conversation I wish someone had with me sooner.'

Thanks to our brand partner, The WA Government

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but let's be honest: it can also feel like you've been dropped into a maze with no map.

From the moment you share your news, the advice starts rolling in — from your family, your neighbour, your barista and of course the depths of the internet. Suddenly, everyone has an opinion on what you should (or shouldn't) be doing, eating, thinking or buying. It's overwhelming and sometimes the most important conversations get lost in the noise.

I'm currently halfway through my first pregnancy, but if I could go back and have a conversation with myself — or with any expectant parent — it would be about pregnancy health.

Because while there's plenty of talk about baby names, prams and whether you have morning sickness or not, there's not nearly enough discussion about the health measures that can help protect both parent and baby from serious illnesses.

We need to talk about immunisation in pregnancy.

Amongst all the information overload, immunisation during pregnancy is one of those topics that deserves to be front and centre. It's not just about ticking a box on a checklist; it's about safeguarding your health, your baby's health and the wellbeing of your whole community.

Let's talk about three key immunisations: RSV, influenza (or commonly known as flu) and whooping cough. Each one plays a crucial role in protecting both you and your baby during a time when you're both more vulnerable to infections:

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) might not be a household name, but it's a big deal for babies — especially in their first six months, when their tiny immune systems are still developing.

The good news is that, for the first time, the maternal RSV vaccine is now available under the National Immunisation Program.

Here's what you need to know:

• The RSV vaccine is given between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

• It provides around 70 per cent protection for babies from birth through their first six months — the period when they're most at risk.

• If you don't receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, there's now a program that offers RSV immunisation to infants before they leave hospital.

Influenza and whooping cough (pertussis).

Influenza and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines have been recommended for pregnant women for years, and for good reason. Pregnancy naturally lowers your immune defences, making you more susceptible to complications from these illnesses. Immunisation during pregnancy doesn't just protect you — it passes on antibodies to your baby, giving them a head start on protection until they're old enough for their own immunisations.

Immunisation is one of the most effective and essential ways to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious infectious diseases. It's not just about individual protection; it's about creating a shield around those who are most vulnerable — including newborns, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Staying up to date with immunisations is a simple but powerful way to contribute to the health of your wider community. And the best part? Accessing these immunisations is straightforward:

• Your GP: Most offer pregnancy immunisations as part of routine antenatal care.

• Local immunisation clinics: Many community health centres provide these services.

• Participating community pharmacies: Pharmacies offer immunisations for adults, including pregnant women.

• Aboriginal medical services: These centres can provide culturally sensitive care and immunisation support.

If you need a record of your vaccinations, the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) helps keep track of all vaccines given in Australia, including those received during pregnancy.

It's an emotional time, and it's okay to feel all the feelings.

No one tells you just how much of a rollercoaster pregnancy can be — not just physically but emotionally. One day you're excitedly thinking about setting up the baby room, the next you're Googling "is it normal to cry while watching Moana 2?" (Spoiler: it is.)

Preparing emotionally for birth and parenthood is just as important as packing your hospital bag. It's normal to have mixed feelings — excitement, fear, impatience, joy and everything in between. Talking to someone you trust, whether it's your partner, a friend or a professional can help you process these emotions and feel less alone.

Building a support network is invaluable. Reach out to other parents, join a local group or simply chat with friends who've been there. Remember, you don't have to have it all figured out before your baby arrives — and there's no such thing as the perfect parent.

Navigating advice culture can be hard and feel like information overload.

If there's one universal truth about pregnancy, it's that everyone has advice — and not all of it is helpful. Information overload is real and it can leave you feeling anxious and unsure.

Here are a few ways to cut through the noise:

• Choose a care provider you trust whose approach aligns with your values.

• Ask questions at every appointment — no concern is too small.

• Seek out evidence-based, unbiased information from qualified professionals.

• Enrol in a birth class with a reputable educator — knowledge is empowering.

And most importantly, trust your instincts. You know your body and your baby best. If a piece of advice doesn't sit right with you, it's okay to let it go.

It's okay to slow down.

This is a classic case of needing to take my own advice. Pregnancy is a time to slow down, tune in and take care of yourself. I constantly need the reminder that I am growing a human, and it's okay to feel tired and to take the time to rest.

You also don't need to give yourself deadlines for having everything done before the baby arrives. There's no rush to have everything perfectly organised. "Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential" is a slogan I need printed on my forehead. Whether it's a walk in the sunshine or an afternoon nap, give yourself permission to rest and recharge.

The sooner you embrace the unknown, the better.

No amount of planning can prepare you for every twist and turn of pregnancy. Something that my GP keeps needing to tell me. Embrace the unknown and remember: you're learning as you go, just like every parent before you. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the small wins and know that you're doing your best — and that's more than enough.

Pregnancy is a time of huge change, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of advice and information coming your way. But amid all the noise, some conversations matter more than others. So, if you're expecting (or planning to be), let this be the pregnancy conversation you have sooner rather than later. Ask questions, seek out trusted information and make the choices that are right for you and your baby.

And remember, you're not alone. Every parent is navigating this journey for the first time, and we're all learning as we go. Be gentle with yourself, stay curious and don't be afraid to have the important conversations — even if no one else brings them up first.

What is a pregnancy conversation you wish someone had with you sooner? Tell us in the comments section below.

Don't assume you're immune — stay up to date with immunisations. Get yours from your GP, local immunisation clinic, participating pharmacy or Aboriginal health service.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any vaccination, always seek health and medical advice from a qualified pharmacist or your healthcare professional.

Featured Image: Supplied.

Thanks to our brand partner, The WA Government