Nutrition

An adequate diet is just as important prior to conception as it is during pregnancy. It is good a idea to try to attain weight that is appropriate for your height before you get pregnant. Special diets may not be appropriate for the first few months of pregnancy. Talk to your counsellor about a plan that’s right for you.

Common sense is your best guide – you should have something from each of the following food groups every day.

• Milk and dairy products
• Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and beans
• Wholegrain or enriched bread and cereal
• Fruits and vegetables

Today the government recommends that all women of childbearing age should be told about folic acid and how to obtain it, because research shows that, neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus, may be prevented by taking the folic acid vitamin.

A healthy adult needs 200µg (0.2mg) of folic acid every day, but women who are considering pregnancy need to take more – an extra 400µg (0.4mg) to make a total of 600µg (0.6mg) – This can be bought over the counter at any pharmacy.