Healthy eating and vitamins in pregnancy

Tell you midwife or maternity service if you have difficulties eating or keeping food down during the pregnancy

 

  • Eating healthily during pregnancy will benefit both you and your baby
  • Supplements such as folic acid and vitamin D in pregnancy will also benefit your baby
  • There are certain foods which are less safe in pregnancy, which you should avoid. Your maternity team will advise you about these

Contact information for your local maternity service

East and North Hertfordshire (The Lister Hospital): 01438 284 124

West Essex (The Princess Alexandra Hospital): 01279 827 286 

South and West Hertfordshire (Watford General Hospital): 01923 217 343

Healthy eating and vitamins

A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time but is especially vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow.

You do not need to go on a special diet, but it's important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need. 

It's best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, but when you're pregnant you need to take a folic acid supplement as well, to make sure you get everything you need.

More information on healthy eating and vitamin you need during your pregnancy 

NHS UK: Vitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

NHS UK: Foods to avoid in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

RCOG: Healthy eating and vitamin supplements in pregnancy | RCOG

Healthy Start (Herts): Healthy Start and vitamins: Am I eligible? - Hertfordshire | Health for Under5s 

Healthy Start – Essex Child & Family Wellbeing Service (essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk)