Nutrition in Pregnancy

It is recommended that pregnant mothers follow a healthy balanced diet to the benefit of their unborn child. There are many ways in which you can develop good nutritional habits, as described below:

• Prepare home cooked meals rather than buying ready meals. Home cooked meals tend to use fresh natural ingredients which are more beneficial to you and your baby.
• Be informed about what you should and should not be eating during pregnancy. Some foods may not be suitable for pregnancy, such as blue cheese.
• Try to eat your five a day of fruit or vegetables to provide optimum nutrients for your baby
• Drink plenty of water as this can help with any digestion problems you may have during pregnancy
• Do not deprive yourself if you feel hungry. You should try to eat a well balanced range of foods and not be left with hunger pains.
• If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy make sure to take your daily antenatal vitamins, which are likely to be folic acid supplements.

Does a woman need to eat twice as much during pregnancy?

It is a misconception that women need to eat ‘twice’as much; however, you are eating for two people and you should be eating nutritious foods. The baby gains all its nutrition from its mother through the umbilical cord. If the mother has less vitamins and nutrients in her body then it could affect the baby. It is important to eat nourishing and filling foods to ensure your energy levels are maintained and your baby is born healthy.

What sort of food should a pregnant woman eat?

A pregnant woman should try to have good intake of:

• Fish
• Protein
• Eggs
• Meat
• Dairy products
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Good fats
• Carbohydrates

What vitamins and minerals are recommended?

Pregnant women may be advised to take folic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy for up to 12 weeks. Iron supplements may be given if you have low levels of iron and you may need to eat more iron enriched foods and have orange juice. Zinc and calcium supplements may be given to pregnant women if they are found to lack zinc of calcium nutrients in their body. The minerals of zinc and calcium are necessary for the development of the embryo.

Developing Body:

• A Pregnant Mother’s Developing Body
• Weight gain in the trimesters of Pregnancy
• Nutrition in Pregnancy
• Avoiding Excess Weight Gain during Pregnancy
• Breasts Changes during Pregnancy
• Back pain during pregnancy
• Dental health during pregnancy
• Fluid retention during pregnancy