When you are pregnant you need to continue with the same healthy diet and balance of nutrients that you needed when you were preparing for pregnancy.
What type of vitamin supplements do I need for pregnancy?
The requirements for protein, iron, calcium, vitamins B, C, D and E increase in pregnancy, but a well-balanced diet will usually provide you with enough protein, vitamins and minerals to meet these extra demands. As when preparing for pregnancy, the only vitamin supplement you need is folic acid.
Why do I need extra folic acid?
Folic acid is essential for the formation of the developing baby and for the production of healthy red blood cells. In pregnancy there is a significant increase in the number of red blood cells in your body, around 25% on average by 32 weeks of pregnancy. So there is an extra demand for folic acid not just for the baby but also for you.
Do I need vitamin supplements other than folic acid during pregnancy?
Other vitamin supplements are not usually required in pregnancy. If you have specific medical or nutritional problems, you may need additional vitamins and should discuss this with your doctor. As when trying to conceive, you should avoid a high intake of vitamin A.
What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?
There are certain foods that are best avoided when you are pregnant, chiefly because of the risk of infection, and these are discussed in detail in Preparing your body for pregnancy. Remember, too, that while fish can be an excellent source of essential fatty acids, important for the development of the baby’s nervous system, certain sea fish should be avoided because of their high mercury content.
Do I need to increase my fluid intake?
It is a good idea to increase your fluid intake in pregnancy. You should aim to drink around six glasses of water a day. Along with an increase in fibre in your diet, this will help to prevent constipation, which is common in pregnancy. Water is better than coffee, tea and soft drinks, such as cola. Fizzy drinks often have a high sugar (and calorie) content and can exacerbate heartburn, a common problem in pregnancy.
Is a vegetarian diet adequate during pregnancy?
There are not usually any problems with a well-balanced vegetarian diet during pregnancy; indeed, you will have some benefits, such as increased fibre in your diet from all the fruit and vegetables.
