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Food & Nutrition Services
Prenatal

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Women who could become pregnant or are pregnant have special nutrient needs for both themselves and their baby. Folate, calcium, iron and essential fatty acids are all very important nutrients.

Weight gain during pregnancy varies with individuals. Choosing foods from Canada’s Food Guide, being active and letting appetite guide energy intake will lead to a healthy weight gain for most women.

Breastfeeding women need extra calories and should maintain healthy food choices from Canada’s Food Guide.

Resources

• Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide
• Food Safety for Pregnant Women
• Frequently Asked Questions on Prenatal Nutrition Guidelines
• Healthy Eating for a Healthy Baby
• Listeriosis
• My Food Guide Servings Tracker
• Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
• Thinking About Having a Baby?

For Pregnant Women:

• Alcohol and Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Caffeine
• Constipation
• Emotional Health
• Healthy Pregnancy
• Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy
• Heartburn
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Oral Health
• Physical Activity and Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
• Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
• Smoking and Pregnancy
• Swelling (Edema)
• Water and Other Fluids

Resources for Professionals

• Family-Centered Maternity and Newborn Care - National Guidelines
• Folic Acid for the Primary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects
• Maternity Experiences Survey
• Perinatal Health Report
• Prenatal Nutrition Guidelines for Health Professionals: Gestational Weight Gain

(updated April 26, 2011)