Dietetics
Nutrition in pregnancy
Supplements, food safety and eating well through nausea and heartburn.
5 min read
What it is
Pregnancy raises requirements for a handful of nutrients — folate, iron, iodine and calcium in particular — well before it meaningfully raises calorie needs. Folic acid ideally starts before conception, because the neural tube forms in the first weeks. Food safety matters too, since a few infections carry more risk during pregnancy.
What to look for
Nausea in the first trimester is common and usually settles by around week 14
Heartburn and constipation are common later on
Concerning: vomiting that prevents keeping any fluid down
Sensible things to do at home
- Take the prenatal supplement your doctor recommends, daily
- Small frequent meals and dry starches help early nausea
- Avoid unpasteurised dairy, raw or undercooked meat and eggs, and high-mercury fish
- Increase fibre and fluid for constipation
- Wash fruit and vegetables well, especially if home-grown
When to see us
- You are planning a pregnancy — start folic acid before conception
- You cannot keep fluids down, or are losing weight
- You have diabetes, high blood pressure or a restrictive diet
- You are vegetarian or vegan and want your intake reviewed
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.