Nutrition for pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need more calories than usual - for yourself and for your growing baby. Make sure you choose nutrient-rich foods to get your extra calories.

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  Eating for two

  When pregnant, you need to eat for yourself and your baby. Good nutrition is vital for both normal pregnancies and those considered high risk, such as in a woman carrying twins or who has gestational diabetes.
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  Dealing with gestational diabetes

  In gestational diabetes, the levels of blood sugar glucose are raised during pregnancy. The disorder occurs in about four per cent of all pregnancies.
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  Do you need ante-natal supplements?

  Many doctors prescribe an ante-natal multivitamin and mineral supplement because many pregnant women do not eat enough to meet their increased nutritional needs, especially with regard to the B vitamin folate.
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  Minor food-related ailments during pregnancy

  Common ailments during pregnancy include nausea and vomiting (also known as morning sickness), which are most common in the first three months of pregnancy; heartburn and indigestion; and constipation.
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  Foods to avoid during pregnancy

  The chances of your unborn child becoming infected during pregnancy are small, but you should be aware of potentially risky foods to avoid.
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  Increased needs during pregnancy

  Eating for two does not mean eating twice as much. During pregnancy the expectant mother's metabolic rate is reduced and the body becomes more energy efficient, which explains why the calorie requirements of pregnant women do not increase dramatically.
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