Pregnancy & Nutrition  

During pregnancy, healthy eating is very important to support a growing and developing baby.

Pregnant women need to pay special attention to their intakes of folic acid, calcium and iron, as these nutrients are very important for the growth of the baby.

Folic acid supplements taken prior to pregnancy may play a role in the prevention of neural tube defects.

Resources:

• Baby’s Best Chance 2010: Parents' Handbook of Pregnancy/Baby Care (115 pages)

• Canada’s Food Guide, Food Tracker Fridge Chart, and Prenatal Nutrition - Health Canada

• Folic Acid: Food Sources

• Spina Bifida and Folic Acid – HealthLink BC File, August 2008

• Folate and Your Health – HealthLink BC File, October 2007

• A Healthy Pregnancy – PHAC 2008

• Healthy Eating For Two –Toronto Public Health

• Dietitian Services at HealthLinkBC: Dial 8-1-1:

  • questions about iron, vitamins, herbal teas, artificial sweeteners, etc

For Health Professionals

• Health Canada: Prenatal Nutrition Guidelines for Health Professionals, 2009/2010

  • Background on Canada's Food Guide 

  • Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

  • Folate 

  • Iron 

  • FAQ 

• Weight Gain During Pregnancy – IOM 2009

• BC Perinatal Health Program – Best Practices

  • Healthy Weights

  • Motivational Interviewing

• SharePoint (IH Public Health Staff only)