Nutrition during pregnancy 

We are what we eat. This is true for us and even more so for foetuses and infants, whose nutrition is closely tied to their mother, to the extent that it can affect the outcome of the pregnancy and even hamper their subsequent growth. 

 

Poor nutrition in mothers can have long-term consequences. In fact, some experimental studies have shown that a malnourished foetus will likely become an adult prone to chronic diseases.  

Advice

If you’re pregnant, you should not be following a strict diet but a varied, balanced low-fat diet. Eat a little of everything and watch portion size. It’s an urban myth that you need to eat for two during pregnancy.  
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Your body, of course, needs more energy and nutrients but not too many extra calories. You only need 350 calories per day more in the second trimester and 460 in the third. Excessive weight gain could actually cause problems during pregnancy and at delivery
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The only strict rule to follow is to avoid alcohol. It is also best to avoid heavy meals and processed, fried and fatty foods because, if there is a predisposition, a diet with too many carbohydrates can lead to the onset of diabetes
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Further advice is to use little salt and always choose iodised salt, which can foster proper thyroid function in babies. Avoid caffeine and theine intake because these substances can cross through the placenta

Puglia Region promotes programmes for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers through outpatient care facilities dealing with the prevention of diet-related diseases, set up by the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Services of the Local Health Authorities (ASL) to prevent excessive weight gain.

 

Contact the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service (SIAN) at your local health authority to assess your actual calorie requirements and adjust your energy and nutritional intake, in order to achieve and maintain your ideal weight.   

Documents

Maternal nutrition Centers Map

Discover the facilities where you can receive useful information on maternal nutrition. Move from one icon to another and continue your journey through all the opportunities that support your health and that of your loved ones