Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition

Pregnancy
Article
Nov 7, 2017
1 min

Your nutritional status at the time of conception and in the crucial early weeks of pregnancy is significant for the successful outcome of the pregnancy. 

It is, therefore, vitally important that you eat correctly and maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. The choices you make now, before you become pregnant, are important for your baby’s health. One of the most important things you can do for you and your future baby’s health is to start eating a balanced diet now.

Eating a variety of healthy foods will help ensure you and your baby receive the nutrients you both need. Think about vitamins, minerals and trace elements when planning to conceive. Healthy nutrition and a sensible lifestyle before pregnancy can ensure that your blood contains enough micronutrients. These are very important for the development of your child during the embryonic phase in the first weeks of pregnancy.

Micronutrients:

Healthy foods and drinks to consider:

Important nutrients include:

  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Zinc
  • Calcium & Vitamin D
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin B12
  • Iron

Be sure to avoid harmful substances, i.e. drugs, medication, alcohol, smoking and caffeine. See below or click here for a guide to nutrition during pregnancy.

You and your partner should review your current diet and make the necessary alterations. Click here for more information.

Related articles

View details Health and fitness
Article
Health and fitness

Health and fitness

Ideally, you should assess your health and fitness. You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle

3 mins to read

View details Special tests
Article
Special tests

Special tests

Ultrasound

5 mins to read

View details Why exercise during pregnancy?
Article
 Why exercise during pregnancy?

Why exercise during pregnancy?

Exercise leads to improved circulation, which in turn can reduce the severity of varicosities (varicose veins).

5 mins to read

View details Criteria for prenatal classes
Article
Why exercise during pregnancy

Criteria for prenatal classes

Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.

Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.

5 mins to read

View details Exercise
Article
Exercise

Exercise

Feeling healthy, stress-free and relaxed will only help the chance of you and your partner falling pregnant.

1 min to read

View details Types of exercise
Article
Types of exercise

Types of exercise

Your safety and that of your baby are of prime importance at all times. You may begin to exercise in early pregnancy and continue for as long as you feel comfortable.

5 mins to read

View details Exercise during and after pregnancy
Article
Exercise during and after pregnancy

Exercise during and after pregnancy

“I am pregnant – can I exercise?”

5 mins to read

View details Hazards to pregnancy
Article
Hazards to pregnancy

Hazards to pregnancy

Pregnancy is usually diagnosed several weeks after conception. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid risk factors if you are planning to become pregnant.

2 mins to read

View details Increasing postural awareness and correction take
Article
Increasing postural awareness and correction Take

Increasing postural awareness and correction take

Take particular care of your back during and after pregnancy – protect it from strain and possible injury.

5 mins to read

View details Adjusting to pregnancy
Article
Adjusting to pregnancy

Adjusting to pregnancy

Discovering that you are pregnant brings about a variety of new feelings.

5 mins to read

View details Keys to relaxation
Article
Keys to relaxation

Keys to relaxation

Physical environment

5 mins to read

View details Preconception checklist
Article
Checklist

Preconception checklist

Are you planning to have a baby soon? Find out our preconception checklist to facilitate the conceiving process and have an healthier pregnancy.

1 min to read

View details Maintaining and improving fitness
Article
Maintaining and improving fitness

Maintaining and improving fitness

Stimulating the cardiovascular system through aerobic exercise helps to maintain and improve your fitness during pregnancy.

5 mins to read

View details Types of relaxation techniques
Article
Types of relaxation techniques

Types of relaxation techniques

Progressive relaxation

2 mins to read

View details How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?
Article
How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy

How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?

There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.

4 mins to read

View details Conception
Article
Conception

Conception

The fertilised egg divides into two identical cells – then four, then eight, then 16, and then many billions, and 266 days later – your baby.

1 min to read

View details Energy and weight
Article
Energy and weight

Energy and weight

Energy

You need extra energy:

5 mins to read

View details Monitoring your response to exercise
Article
Monitoring your response to exercise

Monitoring your response to exercise

It is important to monitor your response to your exercise programme by taking your pulse-rate before, during and after exercise.

5 mins to read

View details Further comfort measures for pain relief
Article
Further comfort measures for pain relief

Further comfort measures for pain relief

Distractions like breathing, visualising or fixing on one point can take your mind off the pain.

5 mins to read