Healthy eating during pregnancy

Eating well is the basis of good health. Diet is important for the health of the woman, the developing fetus and the alleviation of minor disorders of pregnancy. It is important that pregnant women have a regular intake of food and this ensures a regular supply to the baby helping it to develop and grow.

Of particular importance is the intake of protein for the growth of new tissue. Meat, fish and cheese are prime sources of protein. Cheaper sources are peas, beans, lentils, milk and eggs. Two minerals vital in pregnancy are calcium and iron. Green leafy vegetables, lean red meat, dried fruit and nuts contain iron. If you are short of iron you are likely to get very tired and suffer from anaemia. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, blackcurrants and potatoes are good sources of vitamin C which you need to help you absorb iron. Dairy products, fish with edible bones like sardines, bread, nuts and green vegetables are rich in calcium which is vital for making bones and teeth. Margarine and oily fish contain vitamin D to help you absorb calcium.

Take care with these foods

• Liver and Pate
  Do not eat liver or liver products as they contain a lot of vitamin A. Pate is best avoided as it may contain high levels of listeria.
• Cheese
  You can enjoy hard cheese such as cheddar. Cottage cheese, processed cheese and cheese spread can all be eaten safely. However while you are pregnant it is wise to avoid all soft ripened cheeses such as Camembert, Brie and similar blue vein varieties. In the past some samples of these cheeses have contained levels of listeria bacteria.
• Eggs
  While you are pregnant you should only eat eggs which are cooked until both the white and the yolk are solid in order to destroy salmonellae that may be present. Raw eggs or food containing them should be avoided.
• Milk
  Only drink milk that has been pasteurised, sterilised or ultra heat treated (UHT).
• Vegetables and Salad
  Always wash these carefully to remove any soil or dirt which can contain toxoplasma and other organisms.
• Shellfish
  It is advisable not to eat oysters and other shelled seafood such as prawns, mussels and crabs unless they are part of a hot meal and have been cooked thoroughly. When raw these foods may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses.

Hand hygiene

Always wash hands and surfaces to remove any dirt.

Eating Out

When eating out make sure any meat or poultry you eat is thoroughly cooked and piping hot.

If you have any concerns or require any further information please contact Berwick Maternity Unit.

Brad Cheek 1998