Healthy eating in pregnancy

For nine months, your body protects and nourishes your baby, safe within your womb. Eating well during pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do for you and your baby. 

A healthy diet during pregnancy will:

• Make an important contribution towards the future health of your baby
• Enhance your own health, and physical and mental well-being
• Help you cope with the special demands of being pregnant
• Prepare your body for breastfeeding and nurturing your baby
• Build up stores of nutrients and energy for when you, or your growing baby, need them



• What is a balanced diet?
• Eating for two?
• Folic acid
• Iron
• Vitamins & pre-eclampsia
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Essential fatty acids
• Vegetarian mothers
• Peanut Allergy
• Food safety in Pregnancy

Reviewed by babyworld midwife Hannah Hulme Hunter September 2000