Trusted guidance on nutrition, mental health, high-risk conditions, and overall wellbeing throughout pregnancy and beyond.
What you eat during pregnancy directly impacts your baby's development and your own health.
| Nutrient | Why It Matters | Best Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid | Prevents neural tube defects | Leafy greens, lentils, fortified flour, supplements |
| Iron | Prevents anaemia, supports baby's blood | Red meat, lentils, spinach, chickpeas + Vitamin C |
| Calcium | Builds baby's bones and teeth | Dairy, fortified milk, sesame seeds, figs |
| Protein | Supports tissue and organ growth | Meat, eggs, dairy, lentils, chickpeas, tofu |
| Omega-3 (DHA) | Brain and eye development | Fatty fish (mackerel, sardines), walnuts, flaxseeds |
| Vitamin D | Calcium absorption, immune function | Sunlight, fortified milk, eggs, supplements |
| Iodine | Thyroid function and brain development | Iodised salt, dairy, eggs |
| Zinc | Immune system, cell growth | Meat, seeds, nuts, legumes |
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These conditions require extra monitoring — but with good care, most mothers and babies do very well.
High blood sugar first occurring in pregnancy. Managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin. Usually resolves after birth.
Read MoreHigh blood pressure + protein in urine after 20 weeks. Symptoms: severe headache, visual changes, swelling. Requires immediate medical attention.
Read MoreVery common during pregnancy. Fatigue, pallor, breathlessness. Treated with iron supplements and dietary changes.
Read MoreHigher risk of preterm labour, preeclampsia, and C-section. Requires more frequent monitoring. Most twins delivered by 37–38 weeks.
Read MoreBoth underactive and overactive thyroid can affect pregnancy. Requires medication and monitoring. Untreated thyroid disease can impact baby's development.
Read MorePlacenta covering the cervix. Often resolves as uterus grows. If low-lying at term, C-section is required. Painless bleeding is the main symptom.
Read MoreThe WHO recommends a minimum of 8 antenatal contacts during pregnancy.
| When | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Before 12 weeks (ideally 8–10) | 1st visit: Confirm pregnancy, blood tests (blood type, Hb, HIV, rubella immunity, Hep B), blood pressure, weight. Prescribe folic acid and prenatal vitamins. |
| 11–14 weeks | First trimester scan (dating scan, nuchal translucency). Discuss antenatal screening options. |
| 16 weeks | Blood pressure check, check for baby's heartbeat, review screening results. |
| 18–22 weeks | Anomaly scan (anatomy scan) — checks baby's organs, position of placenta. |
| 24–28 weeks | Glucose tolerance test (gestational diabetes screening), blood pressure, growth assessment. |
| 28–32 weeks | Growth scan if needed, blood tests (anaemia check, anti-D if Rh negative). |
| 34–36 weeks | Group B Strep swab, confirm baby's position, discuss birth plan. |
| 38–40 weeks | Monitor baby's movements and position. Discuss induction if approaching 41 weeks. |