Frequently Asked Questions: Nutrition during pregnancy

• What type of food should I avoid during pregnancy?
• I do not have milk or red meat in my diet. Will my baby get all the needed vitamins and minerals for proper growth?
• Food allergies run in my family. Will my baby also have allergies?
• Does eating fish during pregnancy pose any risks?
• I have cravings for certain types of foods. Why is this?
• What should I do to avoid constipation?
• My feet become swollen during pregnancy. Is it related to my diet?
• Does pregnancy call for a change in my exercise routine?
• What can be done to prevent gestational diabetes?

What type of food should I avoid during pregnancy?

Whether you are pregnant or not, no specific food should be excluded completely from your diet. Balance and variety is key to good nutrition. Selecting food from the 4 food groups of the Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating will help you make the best choices.

I do not have milk or red meat in my diet. Will my baby get all the needed vitamins and minerals for proper growth?

Milk and dairy products are foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while red meats are excellent sources of iron. The following are alternative dietary sources of calcium: broccoli, orange juice, cooked almonds, dried sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, canned sardines, soy milk and rice beverages. However, these sources do not contain vitamin D, which is known to increase the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Red meat can be replaced by fish, poultry, legumes or nuts. Also, lentils and chickpea-based recipes are excellent substitutes.

Food allergies run in my family. Will my baby also have allergies?

The medical community has not yet reached a consensus on this issue. Some healthcare professionals recommend that mothers avoid all foods that are highly allergenic such as milk, eggs, fish and seafood, beef, peanuts and nuts. However, the exclusion of certain foods or food types could lead to a deficiency in the mother's diet and possibly affect the baby. These drastic methods are not proven to reduce the baby's risk of developing allergies. However, breastfeeding has been proven to boost the baby's immune system and to reduce the risk of developing allergies.

Does eating fish during pregnancy pose any risks?

Fish and seafood can play an important part in balancing a pregnant woman's diet. These foods are good sources of high quality protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals while having low fat content.

However, some fish may contain high levels of mercury that, if eaten regularly, can have harmful effects on an unborn child's developing nervous system.

Refer to the following table to see the types of fish that are safe to eat and the recommended frequencies.

For details on Contaminants in Sport Fish refer to The Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish

For more information, please contact the federal authorities (Information on mercury levels in fish) or your provincial Ministry of Fisheries (Related Sites Provincial and Territorial Governments)

I have cravings for certain types of foods. Why is this?

The actual cause of food cravings remains unknown. However, some theories suggest that it is hormones that are responsible for this temporary situation. Others speculate that cravings are indicators for what the body needs more of. Perhaps, it is just an excuse for the guilty feelings associated with the desire to eat chocolate or ice cream. There is no harm in having some chocolate or ice cream, however moderation is important.

What should I do to avoid constipation?

Hormone changes may cause the digestive system to slow down. Furthermore, the baby and the uterus exert physical pressure on the intestines by the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. To manage constipation, drink plenty of fluids (at least 8 full glasses of water a day), and eat whole grain products, fruits and vegetables. Constipation is frequently caused by the high iron content in your vitamin-mineral supplement. PregVit will help solve this troublesome side effect. Don't hesitate to talk to your physician or healthcare professional about this problem if it is affecting your quality of life.

My feet become swollen during pregnancy. Is it related to my diet?

Many pregnant women have swollen feet and fingers. This could be related to poor blood circulation rather then diet. In general, everything returns to normal after pregnancy. Put your feet up as often as possible and avoid sitting down for long periods of time. Do not wear tight socks or pantyhose that may block blood circulation. Keep drinking plenty of water, about 8 glasses a day. If the problem persists, consult your physician to ensure your symptoms are not associated with an underlying medical condition.

Does pregnancy call for a change in my exercise routine?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) released the first ever Clinical Guideline for Exercise in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in June 2003. They recommend that all women to participate in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises as part of a healthy lifestyle during their pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

What can be done to prevent gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes occurs in about 2-4% of pregnancies. It may be difficult to predict which women will suffer from diabetes. It is not easily preventable but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and appropriate weight gain throughout pregnancy is important. Also, a study demonstrated that low maternal dietary vitamin C intake is associated with an increased risk for gestational diabetes.