Healthy eating and pregnancy

Good nutrition during pregnancy will help to keep a developing baby and its mother healthy.

The need for certain nutrients, such as iron, iodine and folic acid, is increased at this time but only a small amount of extra kilojoules is needed.

It is important to choose a wide variety of foods to ensure the nutritional needs of both mother and baby are met. Try to eat:

• Lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals
• Moderate amounts of low fat dairy foods
• Lean meat, chicken and fish
• Dried beans and lentils
• A variety of nuts and seeds
• Small amounts of foods high in fat, sugar and salt

If you are pregnant, a good approach is to eat to satisfy your appetite and continue to monitor your weight.

A normal weight gain over the course of the pregnancy is around 10–13kg for women who are a healthy pre-conception weight.

Follow these simple steps to aid in a healthy pregnancy

Links

Folic acid fact sheet

Iodine fact sheet (coming soon)

Department of Health and Ageing http://www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/Publishing.nsf/Content/pregnant-women

Dietitians Association of Australia http://www.daa.asn.au/index.asp?pageID=2145833477