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A healthy pregnancy diet is essential if you want to look after yourself and your growing baby as you prepare for your maternity wedding!

We all know of brides-to-be who have been determined to lose weight for their weddings with strict dieting regimes, but as a pregnant bride-to-be, you should only commence a pregnancy weight loss diet under strict medical supervision.

So, What is a Healthy Diet for Pregnancy?

The most sensible approach for you is simply to 'eat healthy' and to be selfish about getting all the rest you need. ... if you are a smoker, seek advice about quitting ... for your own sake and for your baby's health!

It doesn't matter if you're suffering from the torment of morning sickness or if you have insatiable food cravings ... these healthy eating do's and don'ts are an excellent starting point for all pregnant women!

Things you need to DO as part of your healthy pregnancy diet

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water EVERY DAY!
• Help your baby to form strong, healthy bones by eating at least 4 daily portions of dairy products including milk, cheese and yoghurt.
• Eat at least 3 portions of protein every day to help all of your growing tissues develop properly, including your placenta and both your own and your baby's blood. Red and white meats, fish, beans and tofu are all great sources of protein.
• Constipation is common in pregnancy! Avoid it by adding fibre-rich foods to your diet. Swap white bread for brown or granary and try a bran-based breakfast cereal. Dried fruit is good for a tasty, healthy fibre-filled snack.
• Most breakfast cereals also contain the folic acid you need to boost your baby's development.

  

• Check with your doctor / midwife whether you need to take any pre-natal multi-vitamins.
• Aim to eat AT LEAST 5 portions of fruit and / or veggies EVERY DAY! The more you eat raw, the better ... but steam cooking will also retain the goodness you need. If you are suffering from morning sickness, a bland veggie soup with unbuttered granary toast can be a great treat!

Things to AVOID as part of your healthy pregnancy diet

Getting your nutrition right during your pregnancy means giving your baby the very best start in life. And there are some foods you should avoid as they could be harmful to your baby. These include

• Alcohol!
• Pâté (all types including vegetable)
• Caffeine because it affects the way in which your body absorbs iron.
• Shark, swordfish, marlin and raw shellfish
• Fried, grease-filled junk food - especially as you really have no idea where any meat came from
• Liver and liver products including supplements
• Raw eggs and products which contain them such as mayonnaise
• Unwashed fruit and vegetables; unpasteurised juice; raw or under-cooked meat and unpasteurised goat's milk or goat's cheese
• Limit yourself to no more than 2 portions of fresh oily fish per week

Sources of Help for You

If you are suffering from morning sickness, it can be tough to follow a healthy pregnancy diet! Find 7 morning sickness treatment tips here and don't forget to check out all the best morning sickness remedies to get you feeling better quickly.

Tried, tested, trusted! Dr Miriam Stoppard's no nonsense approach is just right for pregnant women and new mums.

Her respected book Conception, Pregnancy and Birth: The Childbirth Bible for Today's Parents hits just the right note and you will find yourself referring to it again and again!

Find in depth goverment information about foods to avoid during pregnancy here.

AskBaby.com - All you need to know about having a baby from baby names to braxton hicks, including lots of sensible advice about your pregnancy diet too!

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