Eating well

Eating well means opting for meals and snacks made up of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein-rich foods, especially plant-based ones.

Essential information to rememberTrying new flavours, varying your dishes and cooking methods, and sharing meals with others are all ways to make eating well a pleasure.

General advice on eating well applies at every stage of life and to all members of the family. But during pregnancy, women have special nutritional requirements.

Eating well during pregnancy

To eat well and meet your and your baby’s needs during pregnancy, it is recommended that you

  • Eat a variety of foods and add lots of colour to your plate
  • Plan meals to include vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods
  • Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid and iron
  • Eat regularly (i.e., at least three times a day) according to your appetite
  • Add one or two snacks between meals according to your appetite
  • Drink mostly water when you’re thirsty, supplemented by nutritious drinks such as milk or fortified soy milk
  • Avoid restrictive diets
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food-borne infections

The following pages will help you better understand your nutritional needs during pregnancy and adjust your diet to meet them.

The general advice presented here may not apply to you if you have a health problem, food intolerances, allergies, or other special needs. Talk to your health professional. He or she can evaluate your situation and adapt the advice, or refer you to a nutritionist.

Advice for women with gestational diabetes or multiple pregnancies can be found in the section Special needs.