Eating a healthy diet before you are pregnant will benefit your baby by giving your body a store of nutrients for the baby to draw on during your pregnancy. This is particularly important for those women who do not have a good appetite during early pregnancy. Remember it is never too late to benefit from improving your diet and making lifestyle changes so that you and your baby can lead a healthier life.

For more general healthy eating information see the Food Standards Agency at http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/eatwellplate/ or the British Dietetic Association factsheets at http://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/index.html

 

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Starchy Foods

This food group contains bread, pasta, potatoes and breakfast cereals. All of your meals should be based on starchy foods.

 

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Fruits and Vegetables

This group includes fresh, frozen, tinned and dried fruit and vegetables as well as fruit juice. Eat at least five portions of these a day as they contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fibre.

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Protein Containing Foods

This group contains meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and pulses. Choose low fat versions wherever possible.

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Milk and Dairy Foods

Milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais make up this group which provides vital calcium in the diet. Choosing lower fat versions where possible can stop you putting on too much weight.

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Foods High in Fat and/or Sugar

These are food to be eaten sparingly as they are high in calories and may contribute to unwanted weight gain. Foods high in sugar can cause tooth decay

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Fibre

Fibre is the undigested part of food that travels through the digestive system. It is essential for health and it is important that pregnant women consume a fibre rich diet.