Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

Balanced, adequate nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy. There are numerous dietary precautions and recommendations on nourishing meals for pregnant women, and it is useful to follow recipes that help simplify your life and ensure that you have an energised pregnancy.

The meals are designed to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women, which vary during the three trimesters of pregnancy. There are also recipes that are designed to help prevent or control gestational diabetes, so that you can be confident in eating what is best for you and your baby.

The menus focus on fresh, seasonal produce with maximum use of natural foods, and with little or no processing. There is a complete range of “pregnancy foods” for all tastes and occasions, including starters and nibbles, main courses and brunch, through to drinks and desserts.

Keep in mind that some foods can be harmful to unborn babies, and should be avoided. Particular care should be taken when considering unpasteurised soft cheeses and pâté, as they may contain the listeria bacteria.

Medical debate varies over whether alcohol can be consumed during pregnancy, but most doctors are cautious, and advise that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not drink alcohol. Eating raw or soft boiled eggs is not deemed safe because eggs may carry the salmonella bacteria. Exercise caution and cook all eggs thoroughly.

Dietary requirements change over the course of pregnancy, and choosing good food for expectant mothers is vital to maintaining optimum health for both mother and child.

Supplementing certain vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin D and folic acid is essential for your health and the development of the fetus. Care should be exercised when taking nutrients such as vitamin A, which is derived from liver, or fish liver oils. Excess build up of Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby, so your intake should be closely monitored.

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