Nutritional needs - Preparing

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Nutritional needs

Nutrition is important for pregnant women and their babies. It deserves special attention because of the high nutrient needs and the critical role of appropriate nutrition for the foetus and infant.

Recommendations for healthy pregnant and breastfeeding women are based on the New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guideline Statements for Healthy Adults.

These are:

Maintain a healthy body weight by eating well and by daily physical activity.
Eat well by including a variety of nutritious foods from each of the four major food groups each day.
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit.
- Eat plenty of breads and cereals, preferably wholegrain.
- Have milk and milk products in your diet, preferably reduced or low-fat options.
- Include lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds or legumes.
Prepare foods or choose pre-prepared foods, drinks and snacks:
- with minimal added fat, especially saturated fat
- that are low in salt; if using salt, choose iodised salt
- with little added sugar; limit your intake of high-sugar foods.
Drink plenty of liquids each day, especially water.
It is best not to drink alcohol during pregnancy and when breastfeeding (view related HealthEd resource 'When You Drink so Does Your Baby').
It is best not to smoke during pregnancy and when breastfeeding (view related HealthEd resource 'Changing Smoking in Pregnancy').
Purchase, prepare, cook and store food to ensure food safety.

More information

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Where to get help

Midwives

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Well Child

La Leche League

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Page last reviewed: 31 July 2009