Eating Advice for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Prenatal Nutrition
- A woman's nutritional and overall health before and during pregnancy has an effect on her developing baby, especially the brain and other organs.
- Eating well provides the extra nutrients needed to feel good, have energy and to support a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Nutrient Needs for Women of Childbearing Age
- Eating the recommended number of food servings per day helps women give birth to a healthy baby.
- Because many pregnancies are unplanned, all women of childbearing age should take 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid per day. Women planning a pregnancy should take folic acid for three months before they become pregnant and continue to take it during their pregnancy.
- Women who have had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect (or have a family history of this problem) should see their health care provider.
- Women also need more iron (16-20 mg) than usual due to the increased blood volume of mother and baby. Prenatal supplements should include vitamin B12.
- Women should not take more than the recommended doses of supplements without first checking with their health care provider.
Key recommendations:
- Follow Canada’s Food Guide for healthy eating during pregnancy.
- Eat cooked fish at least once a week. Fish contains Omega 3 fats and other nutrients which are important for the baby’s brain growth and development.
- Follow food safety advice and avoid foods that are a higher risk during pregnancy.
- Gaining weight is natural. How much weight depends on body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy. Weight gain varies but usually most normal weight women gain between 25 – 35 pounds.
For practical tips and information on eating healthy, please read the following:
Or visit:
- Prenatal Nutrition (Health Canada)
- Thinking About Having a Baby? (Dietitians of Canada)
- Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy (Health Canada)
- Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator (Health Canada)
- Food Labelling