| Abstract: | Many pregnant women rely on their health professional for nutrition information during routine antenatal visits. This review offers information to assist health professionals with advising pregnant women of the important nutrition considerations during pregnancy. The roles of some of the key nutrients are discussed, including folic acid, iodine, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Recommendations for each of the key nutrients are covered and examples of how these can be achieved are presented. The review also details additional nutritional considerations that should be discussed during antenatal consults, including energy balance and weight gain recommendations, the importance of food safety during pregnancy, the recommended safe levels of consumption of vitamin A, caffeine, and fish, and the importance of abstaining from alcohol. Educating and supporting women during pregnancy to make healthy food choices to fulfil their needs and the needs of their growing fetus, will help to promote a healthy start to life. |
