Special needs

During pregnancy, you may find yourself in a situation where you have special dietary needs (e.g., a health problem related or unrelated to the pregnancy). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to raise them with a nutritionist or your prenatal care provider.

Gestational diabetes

Women with gestational diabetes should eat vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods, just like other pregnant women.

Eliminating any of these food groups is not recommended,because you and your baby might not get all the nutrients you need.

However, it is advisable to avoid sugar-rich products (e.g., juice, soft drinks, cakes, ice cream, sugar added to your food like in coffee or milk) or to consume them only in small quantities.

To help stabilize your blood sugar level (blood glucose), it’s important to eat regularly (see Eating regularly). The Food Guide Snapshot presented on page On the menu: variety, colours, and flavours can help guide you with meal preparation. Eating foods high in fibre (see Fibre) and protein (see Protein foods) will also help you control your blood sugar.

For more information on gestational diabetes, Gestational diabetes.

Twin or multiple pregnancies

Women carrying more than one baby need to eat a little more than women carrying a single child.

If you have a multiple pregnancy, adding a few extra snacks or light meals to your usual diet may help you meet your needs (see Nutritious snack ideas). Your health professional may also recommend special vitamin and mineral supplements.

Discomforts of pregnancy such as morning sickness pressure on the stomach from the uterus, slower digestion, and physical discomfort are often greater for women with multiple pregnancies. These problems can really affect your appetite.

You can adapt what you eat by opting for more nutrientrich foods or drinking nutritious beverages like smoothies, fortified soy beverages, and milk more often.

For more information on twin or multiple pregnancies, see Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.).


Nutrients: Components of food, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, sugars, and fats.