What foods should expectant mums eat?

How to eat well when you’re expecting.

The truth about eating while you’re pregnant is simple and not at all scary, says Kaz Cooke, author of Up the Duff: The Real Guide to Pregnancy.

“You just need to eat more than usual amounts of protein and energy foods, and certain vitamins and minerals, because you’re making another human being (or two).”

This doesn’t mean, however, that you need to eat for two. According to Deakin University in Victoria, your energy intake should remain similar during the first trimester.

Then, as you hit your second and third trimester, your energy needs will increase, so your diet tweaks may need a little more guidance.

READ MORE: Pregnancy & Preconception Articles

Raise your iron intake

Fact. Did you know that your developing bub draws iron from you, while in the womb, to store and use for the first five to six months of life on the outside? Amazing.

The volume of blood circulating through your body increases during pregnancy, too, and iron is critical to the production of haemoglobin – which delivers oxygen via the bloodstream.

Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy in New Zealand and can increase as pregnancy progresses due to the growing iron demands of both mother and baby.

Foods : meat, chicken, seafood, beans, lentils and green leafy vegies.

Increase your quota of grain and cereal foods

Fact: “The body’s main source of energy for pregnancy comes from the essential carbohydrates found in breads and grains,” explains the American Pregnancy Association.

Opt for wholegrains over more processed varieties. These deliver iron, B-vitamins, fibre and a portion of protein, too.

Foods: wholegrain bread, rice, pasta, barley, buckwheat, quinoa.

Keep an eye on folic acid intake

Fact: Folate, known as folic acid when added to supplements or food, is a B-group vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects in developing bubs, so it’s important for pregnant women to make sure that they are getting enough of this important nutrient.

A daily supplement that contains at least 400µg is recommended for women planning a pregnancy and for the first three months of pregnancy, as well as eating folate rich foods.

Foods : asparagus, bran flakes, broccoli, Brussel sprouts and chickpeas.

Eat more iodine-rich foods

Fact: Iodine supports thyroid function and is needed for growth and development.

A daily supplement of 150 µg of iodine is recommended for women planning a pregnancy, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Foods: seafood, nori, eggs, meat and dairy.

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin

Fact: Made in the skin by the action of sunlight, Vitamin D helps your baby grow strong bones and teeth.

Vitamin D can also prevent muscle weakness in pregnant women, according to the Royal Women’s Hospital in Sydney.

Ask your GP to assess your vitamin D levels and, if you’re deficient, help you devise a plan of action.

You can read more about the NZ Government Advice for a healthy pregnancy here or Ask our naturopaths for more guidance.