Nutrition is always important, but it can feel even more so in pregnancy due to the concerns around your diet affecting your growing baby. In addition to looking at what you should eat, it is also worth knowing what foods to avoid.
A balanced diet
It is important to eat a balanced diet, paying particular attention to protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and calcium. Certain foods, such as unpasteurised cheeses and under-cooked meat, are considered best avoided. If you are concerned about getting enough nutrients in pregnancy, you may consider taking food supplements from a reputable supplier such as www.vitortho.co.uk/.
Food additives
Most artificial sweeteners are considered safe in pregnancy if taken in moderation; however, you may prefer to avoid them, as studies into their effects are ongoing. Some issues that are known include the danger of aspartame for anyone at risk of the genetic disorder PKU, or phenylketonuria, as the body’s inability to break down the phenylamine found in aspartame can cause brain defects in large quantities. Saccharin, another artificial sweetener, can cross the placental barrier, although whether this causes problems is still unknown.
Another additive to look out for is artificial food dyes. A 2024 study found that children who consume them may be at higher risk of disorders such as ASD or ADHD and may be predisposed to cancers, allergies, and respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions. Whether this could also be caused by consumption in pregnancy is unknown.
If you have concerns about diet and food safety in pregnancy, you should discuss these with your midwife or GP.
