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Do I need to take a vitamin and minerals supplement during pregnancy?

Most women are advised to take a folate supplement during pregnancy to reduce the chance of neural tube defects. Otherwise, it is normally recommended that you try to obtain all your nutrients from eating a healthy and balanced diet. If this is not possible, your doctor or midwife can advise what other supplements may be suitable for you.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy?

A healthy amount of weight gain during pregnancy depends on your weight before you become pregnant. For women who have a pre-pregnancy weight in the healthy range (a body mass index of 18.5 - 25), the recommended overall weight gain in …

What foods are unsafe during pregnancy?

It is recommended that you avoid the following foods: 1) Raw meats, raw fish and seafood, including sushi. 2) Processed meats (such as ham and salami), unless cooked to 75ºC and eaten soon after. 3) Cooked meats that have been stored cold for an …

Is it OK to eat fish during pregnancy?

Fish are a rich source of important nutrients; pregnant women are recommended to eat two to three serves a week. However, some kinds of fish, such as shark (flake) and swordfish, can have high levels of mercury, which can be dangerous. It's important …

Is it OK to eat nuts during pregnancy?

If you have an allergy to nuts, it's important to avoid them. However, avoiding nuts does not affect your baby's risk of developing a nut allergy, so they are recommended as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Is it OK to eat salad during pregnancy?

Vegetables are an important food group during pregnancy and salads can be a good way to consume them. However, it is important to wash vegetables thoroughly and eat freshly prepared salads rather than pre-packaged ones. It's recommended to avoid …

Is it OK to eat cheese during pregnancy?

Stick to hard cheeses; avoid soft and semi-soft cheeses during pregnancy as these can have a higher risk of causing food poisoning.

Do I need to take a folate supplement during pregnancy?

It is recommended to most women that they take a folate supplement during pregnancy, as it helps to protect the baby against developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Your doctor or midwife can discuss the folate supplement …

Do I need to take an iron supplement during pregnancy?

Most women can get the iron they need during pregnancy from their diet. If this is not possible, an iron supplement may be recommended for you. Your doctor or midwife can discuss whether an iron supplement is suitable for you.

Is it fine to drink caffeine during pregnancy?

It is recommended that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to around 200-300mg per day. That is four cups of tea, or two cups of coffee. It's recommended to avoid drinks with very high levels of caffeine, such as some energy drinks.

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About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 07 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Votes: 1035 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Pre-pregnancy check-up

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