Diet during pregnancy 'is important'

Diet during pregnancy 'is important'

It is important that pregnant women and those who have just given birth eat a healthy diet in order to ensure they stay in good shape, an expert has argued.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, head of nutrition and research at Slimming World, said that common misconceptions about eating for two while pregnant can lead to excessive weight gain.

However, eating healthily can help to ensure better health for both mother and child, she suggested.

"Preventing excess weight gain in pregnancy has been found to reduce the risk of complications such as premature birth or pre-eclampsia and may also help improve the future health of the child," said Dr Lavin.

She noted that eating healthily does not mean restricting a diet or counting calories, but simply ensuring there is good variation with plenty of fruit and veg.

And being active is also important, she said, stressing that this does not mean having to go to the gym every night, but simply taking part in activities that get the body moving.

Some weight gain during pregnancy is, of course, normal. The Irish Multiple Births Association notes that early weight gain during pregnancy could be vital, as it is during this time that the baby's organs are formed. Eating particularly nutritious foods during this time is advised by the organisation.