 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taking care of yourself
before and during pregnancy improves your
chances of having a healthy baby. That is why sensible nutrition,
appropriate weight gain and exercise are so important.
When you become pregnant, your body needs more nutrients. A healthy diet with the right amount of vitamins and minerals helps your baby achieve a normal birth weight and develop healthy teeth and bones. It also protects your baby from disease and heart problems.
The following nutrients are especially important during pregnancy:
Extra calcium helps build strong bones in your baby. You should eat foods that are high in calcium such as dairy products. For example, drink 3-4 cups of milk every day.
Extra iron helps maintain a healthy blood supply for you and your baby and folic acid helps your body manufacture blood. Foods high in iron and folic acid include bread, cereal, pasta, liver and dark green vegetables.
Your doctor or nutritionist can help you plan a diet with the specific quantity of food servings you need.
Supplements:
before, during and after pregnancy
Some women find it difficult to meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding. These women may need to complement their diet with vitamin-mineral supplements.
Women are encouraged to increase the amount of folic acid
in their diet before pregnancy in order to prevent rare but serious birth
defects. Ask your doctor if you can benefit from a supplement.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Good nutrition is important for
you and your baby.
Almost everything you drink and eat is passed on to your baby during pregnancy so it is important to look at your daily habits and make the following changes if necessary:
+
Stop or reduce smoking.
Smoking during pregnancy increases
a woman's chance of having a miscarriage, premature birth and a
smaller baby.
+
Do not drink alcohol.
Pregnant
women are advised to avoid alcohol because of potential birth
defects; however, there is no evidence that an occasional drink
is harmful.
+
Limit your caffeine intake.
Caffeine consumption during pregnancy may slow down fetal growth.
+
Do not diet.
Because you need more
nutrients during pregnancy, a restrictive diet can seriously
damage your baby's normal development.
MEDICATION
Consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or nonprescription medication during pregnancy.
Brought to you by your:
Provincial Pharmacy Regulatory Authority, - responsible for promoting and
administering standards of pharmacy practice for the health and well-being of
the general public.
Return To Reading Room | Return To Home Page
- Legal
Disclaimer -
