Women need folate during pregnancy to support their expanding blood volume and the growth of maternal and fetal tissues, and to decrease the risk to the fetus of neural tube defects. They should continue to take a folic acid supplement in conjunction with a healthy eating pattern. Women need additional iron during pregnancy to increase the maternal red blood cell mass. Many women do not consume enough dietary calcium to meet the needs of pregnancy. Encourage women to include more good sources of calcium and vitamin D such as milk products.
Foods containing significant amounts of EFAs include common vegetable oils.
The need for health practitioners to promote, protect and support breastfeeding as the healthiest choice for both infant and mother is well recognized. A number of resources discuss various ways to encourage breastfeeding. These recommended weight gain ranges reflect observations of healthy pregnancy outcomes. The recommended weight gain range for each pre-pregnancy BMI category should be treated as a general target. Most women will gain an appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy if they eat a healthy diet according to the Food Guide, maintain an active lifestyle and allow their appetite to guide their energy intake.