Food and nutrition

A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time but is especially vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. 

Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow.

A young girl holds two apples in front of her eyes, standing in front of a rainbow of fruit and vegetables

You do not need to go on a special diet, but it's important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need.

It's best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, but when you're pregnant you need to take a folic acid supplement as well, to make sure you get everything you need.

Healthy Start vitamin supplements

Healthy Start Vitamins contain the recommended amounts of Folic Acid, Vitamin D and Vitamin C for you throughout your pregnancy and when breast feeding. You will be offered a free 2 month supply of Healthy Start Vitamins at your first appointment with your Midwife. 

Your midwife and the antenatal clinic at the hospital has further supplies if you are eligible for the Healthy Start scheme or you can buy them for just £1 from the antenatal clinic reception at the hospital or alternatively at some of the local Barnsley family hub (please telephone the family hub to check).

Healthy Start – Are you eligible?

 

Vitamin D

We recommend you take 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day throughout your pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding to keep your bones and teeth healthy.

Folic Acid

You should take at least 400 micrograms of Folic Acid each day until you are 12 weeks pregnant. Folic Acid helps prevent birth defects such as Spina Bifida. If you are not already taking a folic acid supplement, speak with your pharmacist or GP straightaway.

If your BMI is over 30, you are diabetic or you, your partner or a previous baby have had a neural tube defect you will require 5mg daily, which you will need to request from your GP.

Anaemia in pregnancy – advice for taking oral iron

Women should be given advice on how to take oral iron supplements correctly. Ideally Iron supplements should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals with a source of vitamin C to maximise absorption. Dairy, other medications or antacids should not be taken at the same time. However gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea and epigastric discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea) affects 35-59% of women and can lead to non-compliance with treatment. Therefore, in order to increase compliance with treatment women are advised to take oral iron with food.

Healthy eating and vitamin supplements in pregnancy

Did this information help you?