aving a baby is a pivotal event and generates questions, especially regarding food choices. Maintaining good nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy: eating foods from a variety of sources ensures you get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need and contributes to baby’s healthy growth and development. Eating well also helps you feel better, gives you more energy and helps keep your weight in check. 

Canada’s Food Guide includes guidance and healthy eating tips during pregnancy. Eating well isn’t always possible, especially when you factor in all those interesting cravings; vitamin and mineral supplements play an important supportive role.

Folic acid is one of the B Vitamins essential for the normal development of baby’s spine, brain and skull, especially during the first trimester. Therefore, it is recommended to start taking vitamin supplements with folic acid at least three months before you get pregnant. 

Iron is important for healthy blood and supports proper brain development. Babies without enough iron may experience more illnesses and problems learning. Taking a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement that contains iron is usually sufficient unless an additional
supplement is recommended by your doctor, nurse or dietitian.

Calcium is necessary throughout pregnancy for baby to build strong bones and teeth that start forming in the womb. Vitamin D is required to absorb and use calcium. Without enough calcium to meet baby’s needs, the body provides calcium by stealing it from your bones.