Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition is crucial to a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby. There are many considerations of diet before and during pregnancy.
Some considerations for diet and nutrition are:
- Pre-existing dietary and gut malabsorption issues – these may need to be addressed prior to pregnancy or in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Weight Management – having a BMI (Body Mass Index) that is too low (underweight for your height and body type) or a BMI that is too high (overweight for your height and body type) can have a negative impact on a pregnancy and birth.
What impact may a low BMI have on your pregnancy?
- interrupt natural ovulation and can cause low oestrogen levels which creates a lower chance of fertility.
- Can contribute to the poor growth of the baby
- Premature birth
- Foetal death in utero
- Pregnancy Bleeding – increased risk of miscarriage
What impact may a high BMI have on your pregnancy?
Create an overall decrease in fertility
- Increase the risk of Polycystic ovaries
- Increase risk of miscarriage
- Increase risk of blood pressure
- Increase risk of diabetes in pregnancy
- Increase risk of caesarean section
- Increase risk of pre-eclampsia
- Increase risk of haemorrhage
- Increase risk of induction of labour
- Increase risk of still birth
When should I see a dietician or nutritionist?
Most general diet and nutrition advice that is specific to pregnancy will be advised by Guy and his midwives. However, there are specific and more complex dietary considerations that need planning by a specialist Dietician or Nutritionist. Their guidance can help minimise the impacts of these issues on you and your baby and your general health.
What happens if I have a pre-existing dietary disease or issue?
Pre-existing dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance, vegetarian, vegan, coeliac, gut disruptions, irritable bowel, chronic, reflux and chronic constipation will need assessment at your first visit and may require ongoing review and management.