Pregnancy
Choosing a healthy diet is important at every stage of your life, but never more so than when you’re pregnant. During the various stages of pregnancy, your body’s requirements change. For instance, it needs more minerals, such as folate, to help with the demands a growing baby puts on it.
Choosing a sensible diet can also help alleviate common problems like morning sickness, tiredness and constipation that often occur during pregnancy.
- Balanced healthy eating
- At no time is it more important to follow a healthy, balanced diet than when you’re 'eating for two'. Remind yourself what's best for you and your baby, and how you can ensure you get the right amount of all the right things at this crucial time of life.
- Calcium
- Crucial for healthy bones and teeth (your own and your growing baby’s) calcium also helps regulate other processes in the body, including your blood pressure.
- A healthy digestive system
- As your body undergoes rapid changes during pregnancy, the delicate balance of your digestive system can easily be upset. Being sensible with your diet however, can help reduce common problems such as heartburn and constipation.
- Fibre
- Many women complain of constipation, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Eating enough fibre can help combat the strain your digestive system is under and keep digestive discomfort to a minimum.
- Folate
- Folate helps in the process of cell division and the formation of healthy blood cells, so it's important mums-to-be get enough of this essential nutrient, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
- Food hygiene
- While you're pregnant, it's important you do all you can to reduce your risk of illness and infection, for the sake of you and your baby. Good habits in food storage and preparation can make all the difference.
- Iron
- Pregnancy can quickly diminish your body's reserves of iron, so you need to make sure you are including enough iron rich food in your diet every day. Discover the best ways to boost your levels of this essential mineral.
- Omega-3 fats
- Found in oily fish like sardines, fresh tuna and mackerel, omega-3 fats are thought to reduce the risk of premature birth and post-natal depression. They’re also good for your overall health, helping to lower your chances of stroke and heart disease.
- Supplements
- While nothing is a substitute for a healthy balanced diet, vitamin and mineral supplements can help meet the extra demands pregnancy places on your body. Learn which ones are most important… and which should be avoided.