Eating well while pregnant

Eating well while Pregnant

When you are pregnant it is very important to eat well as it may affect the way baby grows and develops for the future. If you haven’t eaten healthily before, now is the time to start ! There are many books and information available as to what is best to eat while pregnant and below are a few pointers to help you on your way. Please note though that you should consult your GP or midwife if you are not sure about anything.

Folic Acid

This is one of the most talked about item when it comes to nutrition and pregnancy. The medical profession recommend you have a daily allowance not only while you are trying to conceive but also once it is confirmed you are pregnant, for another 12 weeks after that. Check with your GP or Pharmacist though.

Fruit and Vegetables

You will have heard the expression ‘Five a Day’, well its never been so important than now. Make sure you have a good balance and mixture of fruit and vegetables not just lots of one type.

Energy food

Food groups rich in starch such as rice, pasta and potatoes provide excellent sources of energy. You are going to need all the energy you can get so make sure these food groups feature on your menu. These foods also help you keep ‘regular’ inside. Snack foods should be taken in moderation, have some fruit instead.

Iron bars

As you progress with your pregnancy you may start to experience low levels of iron which generally is not good as that little one inside you needs iron for blood development. Avoid liver and eat sardines, lentils and most of the green and leafy based vegetables contain excellent levels of iron for you. Tip: Eat leafy vegetables with a glass of pure fruit juice that has a good level of vitamin C in it. The reason being that the vitamin C is known to help break down the iron easier and this in turn helps your body absorb iron much quicker.

Dairy produce

Milk, pasteurised cheese and yogurts help baby’s bones develop, just take it easy on how much you have in terms of the fat levels though…….look out for the reduced fat options when you are in the supermarket. Avoid eating any of the soft ripened or blue cheeses.

Alcohol and drinks

Try to give up alcohol completely if you can. Drink plenty of water and other natural drinks.

General

With all these hormones circulating around your body it very difficult, heartburn, haemorrhoids and constipation can be avoided if you try to avoid too many curries or other spicy food, late nights, drinking plenty of water, avoid alcohol and smoking. Eat well by eating plenty of fibre and some very gentle exercise. Avoid liver which has very high levels of vitamin A and linked to some foetal abnormalities and soft cheese such as camembert, brie and stilton as they are linked to a high risk of listeria.

If you have any questions or not sure about anything to do with your pregnancy you must contact your GP or midwife.



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