Advice for women with babies on their minds or in their arms
It’s an exciting time if you are thinking about having a baby. There are seven key things to remember when eating and drinking to make sure that you and your baby are healthy. Some of these things take a bit of planning, so it is best to start before you become pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant - don’t worry - start following this advice as soon as you can.
1. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious food
Good nutrition during pregnancy will help to keep you and your developing baby healthy. Click here for healthy eating advice.
2. Get enough folic acid
Folate is a B group vitamin needed for the healthy development of babies in early pregnancy. This vitamin is known as folate when it is found naturally in food such as dark green leafy vegetables and folic acid when it is added to food or used in dietary supplements. Click here for further advice on folic acid.
3. Get enough iodine
Iodine is very important during pregnancy and breastfeeding for the normal development of a baby’s brain and nervous system. Too little iodine can cause learning problems for babies and young children and can also affect physical development and hearing. Click here for further advice on iodine.
4. Eat fish with lower levels of mercury
Fish is a good source of nutrients for the developing baby and the good news is that it is safe for everyone to eat two to three serves per week of most types of fish. However, some types of fish should be limited due to their levels of naturally occurring mercury. Further advice on mercury in fish can be found here
5. Avoid Listeria
Listeria are bacteria carried in some foods that can cause a disease called listeriosis, which is a fairly uncommon form of foodborne illness in Australia. The illness causes few or no symptoms in most people, but it can be very dangerous if you are pregnant, or for your unborn child or newborn baby. So, if you are pregnant you need to be aware of the risks and avoid particular types of food. Click here for further advice on Listeria.
6. Alcohol
The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends you don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Click here for further information
7. Caffeine
While having large amounts of caffeine does not appear to cause birth defects, drinking high amounts of caffeine may make it more difficult to become pregnant and may increase the risk of miscarriage or having a baby with low birth weight. Click here for further information on caffeine.
For further advice please contact your health advisor, medical practitioner or your midwife.