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Nutrition & healthy eating

It's important to eat well during pregnancy. Good nutrition will keep you healthy and help your baby grow and develop.

A balanced diet in pregnancy

Eating well means eating a range of different kinds of food from the main food groups every day. This makes sure you have all the nutrients you and your baby need during your pregnancy. This advice is important for everyone - including your family and partner!

Try to avoid eating food that has lots of sugar and salt, and choose foods from each of these groups every day - they are all important for your health now and after your baby is born.

Eat well guide 

Download the Eatwell Guide here

You can find our patient information leaflet 'healthy eating and vitamin supplements in pregnancy' here.  If you are concerned about weight gain in pregnancy, you may find useful information on our weight management pages.  There is also information regarding our pregnancy lifestyle clinic here if your BMI at booking was over 35.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists also provide advice and guidance here.

Healthy start scheme

If you're pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you buy basic foods like milk or fruit.  If you qualify for the scheme 
you'll be sent vouchers you can use in over 30,000 shops 
in the UK.

You can also get coupons to swap for free vitamins suitable for:

  • pregnant women
  • breastfeeding women
  • children aged 6 months to 5 years old

 

Frequently asked questions

Q. What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?

A. There are some foods to avoid or take care with when you're pregnant, because they might make you ill or harm your baby.  Read more about foods to avoid on the NHS Choices website.