Clinical Nutrition Women’s Health would like to welcome you to the IWK Health Centre Nutrition and a Healthy Pregnancy webpage. The resources listed on this webpage are geared to help you make decisions on healthy eating during pregnancy and more. There is something for everyone whether you are planning a pregnancy, are currently pregnant or have recently had a baby.
Jump to section:
- Preconception
- Pregnancy
- After Baby
- Practical Stuff
- Body Weight/Body Image
Preconception
Are you thinking about having a baby? The following websites provide information on healthy eating, supplementation and addresses some commonly asked questions to help you prepare for pregnancy.
Planning to have a baby? Tips for healthy eating and more
Why all women who could become pregnant should be taking Folic Acid
Good Health Before Pregnancy: Preconception Care Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnancy
General Information
These websites are great resources for general information on multiple births, fetal development, childbirth and emotional health that can be used as guides throughout your entire pregnancy.
Government of Canada: Pregnancy and Fertility
Healthy Weight Gain
Are you wondering how much weight you should gain throughout your pregnancy? The following website allows you to calculate the recommended weight gain for your height and weight.
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
Physical Activity & Pregnancy
How much physical activity is required during pregnancy? This resource provides information on the benefits of an active pregnancy, as well as some suggestions for choosing safe activities.
Physical Activity During Pregnancy: Good for You and Your Baby - Every little bit counts!
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
A healthy diet during pregnancy is necessary in order to provide your growing baby with the nutrients it needs. Following Canada’s Food Guide, while paying special attention to a few particularly important nutrients, will help to support your baby’s growth and development.
Canada’s Food Guide: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Healthy Eating Guidelines for Pregnancy
Food Safety for Pregnant Women
You may be wondering which foods are safe to eat during pregnancy, and which ones should be avoided. The following link provides safety tips and a list of the foods you should avoid.
Safe Food Handling for Pregnant Women
Special Diets
The following links provide information on a variety of special diets, and offer tips to help you feel your best during pregnancy, while ensuring that your baby receives the nutrients it needs for growth and development.
Diabetes
Whether you are entering pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes, or have recently been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a healthy pregnancy can still be achieved. The websites provide information on managing your diabetes throughout pregnancy by following a healthy diet.
Living with Gestational Diabetes
Vegetarian
It can sometimes be challenging to meet your requirement for certain vitamins and minerals when following a vegetarian or vegan diet. These web pages offer tips for the pregnant vegetarian and vegan eater to make sure you are getting the necessary nutrients in your diet.
Vegetarian Eating For All Ages
Nausea and Vomiting
There may be times throughout your pregnancy where you are experiencing morning sickness or nausea and vomiting. Follow this link to learn how to cope with these symptoms.
Common complaints of pregnancy- Tips to help you feel better
Celiac Disease
The Canadian Celiac Association
Bowel Concerns
Digestion slows down during pregnancy, which can cause constipation for many pregnant women. These websites offer tips to promote good digestive health during pregnancy.
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
Eat Right Ontario: Digestion/Digestive Health
Multiple Births
The following link offers information pertaining to healthy eating during a multiple pregnancy.
Nutrition for Multiple Birth Pregnancy
Nutrition When You are Expecting Twins or Triplets (Calgary Health Region)
After Baby
One of the biggest concerns you may have as a new mom is how you will feed your baby. The following links provide information on breastfeeding and formula feeding.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Anytime. Anywhere
Practical Stuff
Life with a newborn can be overwhelming. The following websites provide information geared to address some concerns you may have related to planning your meals, eating affordably and food safety.
Meal Planning
Eating Affordably
Food choices when money is tight- Budget-friendly information sheets and recipes
Free PDF Version! Good and Cheap - Eat Well on $4/Day
Food Safety
Plastic Safety Frequently Asked Questions
Body Weight/Body Image
Many women have concerns surrounding body weight and body image during and after pregnancy. These resources address the effects of pregnancy on body image and provide tips for healthy weight loss after pregnancy.