NHS Forth Valley – Preconception and Pregnancy Nutrition

Pram Good nutrition and eating a healthy, well balanced diet is very important for everyone, throughout all ages and stages of life.

Good nutrition is important for all women who may become pregnant because by eating nutritious food it not only benefits the women by improving her fertility it will support early development of her baby. Therefore even before becoming pregnant, it’s a great time to review food and drink eaten is healthy, varied and contains all the vital nutrients including folic acid and other vitamins and minerals.

Eating well during pregnancy helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy with a reduction in risks and health complications associated with giving birth. Most importantly, it is now well established that how a mother eats during pregnancy can impact on the long term health and well-being of her child.

All pregnant women in Scotland are entitled to FREE Healthy Start vitamin tablets which contain folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin C. These are available from community midwives and should be taken throughout pregnancy.

Preconception and Pregnancy Nutrition Resources

British Dietetic Association – Food Fact Sheets:
Vitamin D and You – This Public Health Scotland leaflet explains the benefits of getting enough Vitamin D as part of a healthy diet. This leaflet is available in English, Arabic, Polish, Traditional Chinese and Urdu and may be requested in alternative format such as large print, braille and audio versions. Available from The Resources Service – Code: PAE 04/L
Physical Activity for Pregnant Woman – NHS Forth Valley. Throughout pregnancy aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every week.
Eating Well for a Healthy Pregnancy – First Steps Nutrition Trust
Eating Well for pregnant & breastfeeding women, babies and young children living in temporary accommodation – First Steps Nutrition Trust
Healthy Start and Best Start Foods, A practical guide – First Steps Nutrition Trust
Ultra-Processed Foods marketed for infants and young children in the UK – First Steps Nutrition Trust
Eating well: 6 months to 2 years

Preconception and Pregnancy Nutrition Links

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods – The Best Start Grant is a Scottish benefit to help parents and carers on low incomes with the costs of looking after children. Find out more about the Pregnancy and Baby Payment – You can apply for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment from 24 weeks pregnant up to the day your baby is 6 months old.
Parent Club – This Scottish Government website has tips for expectant parents and information on how to look after yourself during your pregnancy.
Ready, Steady, Baby – Takes you right through your pregnancy and beyond.
British Nutrition Foundation – Have some useful tips on how to keep your diet healthy before and during pregnancy.
Start 4 Life – Have information on healthy eating during pregnancy as well as information on breastfeeding, baby vitamins, weaning, recipes and meal ideas and much more. Please note this is a Public Health England programme – some of the resources and services are only available to individuals living in England.
Planning your pregnancy – NHS – Find out how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy with practical advice on health, lifestyle, and planning ahead.
Infants & new mums — First Steps Nutrition Trust – The report summarises the importance of eating well for all new mums and answers some FAQ new breastfeeding mums might have about eating and drinking well.
Preconception Care | NHS Fife – Health advice and signposting for women who are thinking of conceiving a child.
How to start weaning – Start for Life – Find out when and how to start weaning your baby, what the signs are and what equipment you’ll need, with tips and advice from Start for Life.
A4 Posters – Ready-to-use, empty belly and customisable A4 posters for the Better Health Start for Life – Introducing Solid Foods campaign, including ‘If They Could Tell You…’ creative.