Dietary diversity
Build meals from a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains or other staple grains, pulses/beans, nuts or seeds and appropriate animal-source foods where used.
Pregnancy • Nutrition • Maternal Health
Maternal Nutrition & Health Education
Practical, evidence-informed nutrition education for pregnancy—covering healthy eating, micronutrients, weight gain, food safety, hydration, physical activity and nutrition-related risk recognition.
WHO-aligned
Healthy diet
Iron & folic acid
Calcium
Food safety
Healthy weight gain
Nutrition foundations
Eight practical pillars of maternal nutrition
A healthy pregnancy diet should be diverse, culturally appropriate, affordable where possible and adapted to the woman's nutritional and clinical needs.
Iron & folate
Use recommended iron–folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and include iron-rich foods as part of a balanced diet.
Calcium
Include calcium-rich foods and follow locally recommended calcium supplementation when indicated by the antenatal care provider.
Hydration
Drink safe water regularly and adjust intake to thirst, climate, activity and individual clinical needs.
Healthy weight gain
Monitor maternal weight and aim for appropriate gestational weight gain rather than intentionally restricting food during pregnancy.
Food safety
Reduce foodborne infection risk through safe food selection, preparation, storage and hygiene.
Anaemia prevention
Support adequate iron, folate and overall dietary intake and attend recommended antenatal screening and treatment when needed.
Healthy activity
For women without contraindications, regular physical activity can be part of a healthy pregnancy lifestyle.
Build balanced meals
Foods to include across the day
There is no single “pregnancy diet”. WHO and FAO emphasize dietary diversity and healthy diets adapted to local foods, culture, preferences and availability.
Vegetables & leafy greens
Include a variety of vegetables, especially green and orange vegetables. Choose seasonal and locally available options.
Fruits
Include a variety of whole fruits. Wash produce well and use safe preparation practices.
Whole grains & staples
Choose whole grains or other minimally processed staple foods according to local dietary patterns and tolerance.
Pulses, beans & lentils
Useful sources of protein, fibre, iron and other nutrients; combine with varied foods across the day.
Nuts & seeds
Can provide energy, protein and healthy fats when tolerated and appropriate; use safe, uncontaminated products.
Milk & dairy / alternatives
Include suitable calcium-rich foods according to dietary preference, tolerance and local availability.
Eggs, fish & other animal foods
Where consumed, choose well-cooked, safe options and follow local guidance on fish and food safety.
Healthy fats
Use modest amounts of unsaturated oils, nuts and seeds while avoiding excessive intake of highly processed fats.
Practical plate idea: combine a staple grain or other carbohydrate source with a protein-rich food, several vegetables and/or fruit, and a suitable source of healthy fats. The exact portions should be individualized according to appetite, pre-pregnancy nutritional status, activity, pregnancy type and medical conditions.
Micronutrients
Iron, folic acid, calcium and other supplements
Supplementation should follow current national or local antenatal protocols and the woman's clinical assessment. Avoid self-prescribing high-dose supplements.
Iron + folic acid
WHO recommends daily oral supplementation with 30–60 mg elemental iron plus 400 µg folic acid during pregnancy to help prevent maternal anaemia and improve pregnancy outcomes. The exact product and regimen should follow the antenatal provider and local programme.
Folic acid before and early in pregnancy
Folic acid is particularly important before conception and in early pregnancy for neural tube defect prevention. People planning pregnancy should discuss an appropriate dose with a qualified health professional.
Calcium
WHO recommends calcium supplementation in populations with low dietary calcium intake to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and related complications. Dose and regimen should follow local guidance and clinical assessment.
Other supplements
Vitamin D, zinc, multiple micronutrients and other supplements have context-specific recommendations. Do not routinely start high-dose supplements without professional advice.
WHO iron–folic acid recommendation: daily oral supplementation with 30–60 mg elemental iron plus 400 µg (0.4 mg) folic acid is recommended during pregnancy. In practice, the product, timing, adherence support and management of side-effects should follow the woman's antenatal provider and applicable national programme.
Reference table
Key nutrition interventions in pregnancy
| Area | WHO-aligned principle | Practical education point |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy diet | Nutrition counselling is recommended during pregnancy. | Promote dietary diversity, adequate energy and protein, and nutrient-dense foods adapted to local diets. |
| Iron + folic acid | 30–60 mg elemental iron + 400 µg folic acid daily during pregnancy. | Encourage consistent use, explain expected side-effects and follow the prescribed/local regimen. |
| Calcium | Supplementation is recommended in populations with low dietary calcium intake to reduce pre-eclampsia risk. | Assess diet and follow local clinical guidance for dose, timing and duration. |
| Weight gain | Avoid insufficient or excessive gestational weight gain through appropriate nutrition and activity counselling. | Monitor weight during antenatal care and individualize advice using pre-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy type. |
| Food safety | Healthy diets should also reduce foodborne disease risk. | Emphasize safe water, hand hygiene, thorough cooking, safe storage and avoidance of contaminated foods. |
Food safety in pregnancy
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Wash hands and utensilsUse safe water and clean hands, surfaces and utensils before preparing or eating food.
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Cook food thoroughlyCook meat, poultry, eggs and other high-risk foods thoroughly and avoid undercooked animal products.
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Separate raw and ready-to-eat foodsPrevent cross-contamination during preparation and storage.
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Choose safe milk and dairyUse pasteurized or otherwise safely processed milk and dairy products.
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Wash produceWash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or preparing them.
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Store food safelyRefrigerate perishable foods promptly and avoid food that has been stored unsafely or appears spoiled.
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Avoid unsafe waterUse a reliable safe-water source and follow local public-health advice where water safety is uncertain.
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Discuss local food risksLocal risks such as contaminated foods, specific fish, outbreaks or regional infections may require additional advice.
Healthy daily habits
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Regular mealsPlan regular balanced meals and snacks if needed rather than relying on highly processed foods for most energy intake.
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Physical activityFor women without contraindications, regular moderate activity is generally encouraged during pregnancy; ask the care provider about appropriate activity if complications or restrictions are present.
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Avoid tobacco and nicotineAvoid smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke; seek cessation support if needed.
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Avoid alcoholThere is no known safe amount or safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy.
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Use medicines carefullyDiscuss medicines, herbal products and supplements with a qualified provider before use.
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Attend antenatal careUse scheduled antenatal contacts for nutrition counselling, weight monitoring, anaemia screening and management of health conditions.
Individualized counselling
When standard nutrition advice is not enough
Nutrition education should identify women who need additional assessment, dietary support, medical treatment or referral.
Anaemia or suspected anaemia
Seek assessment and follow prescribed treatment. Severe anaemia or concerning symptoms may require prompt clinical review.
Diabetes or gestational diabetes
Nutrition plans should be individualized with glucose monitoring and clinical/dietetic support rather than using generic restrictive diets.
Underweight or poor weight gain
Nutrition counselling may need additional energy/protein support and assessment for food insecurity, nausea/vomiting, infection or other causes.
Overweight or excessive weight gain
Avoid crash diets or intentional weight-loss programmes during pregnancy unless specifically directed by a specialist. Focus on nutrient quality, activity where appropriate and monitoring.
Severe nausea or vomiting
Persistent inability to keep fluids or food down can cause dehydration and nutritional problems and should be assessed.
Multiple pregnancy
Nutritional needs and weight-gain targets may differ from singleton pregnancy; use individualized antenatal guidance.
Food insecurity
Ask for help early. Link the woman and family to appropriate nutrition, social-protection, community and health services where available.
Vegetarian or vegan diets
Well-planned plant-based diets can require attention to protein, iron, vitamin B12, iodine, calcium and other nutrients. Individual assessment can help identify supplementation needs.
Antenatal follow-up
Nutrition should be revisited throughout pregnancy
WHO recommends nutritional counselling from the first antenatal contact onward, alongside routine maternal and fetal assessment.
| At antenatal care | Nutrition focus |
|---|---|
| First contact / early pregnancy | Assess dietary pattern, nutritional risks, pre-pregnancy BMI where available, anaemia risk, supplement use, food security, nausea/vomiting and relevant medical conditions. |
| Ongoing contacts | Review diet, adherence and side-effects of supplements, weight trajectory, symptoms, food access and changes in clinical condition. |
| Second and third trimester | Continue nutrition counselling and monitor maternal health, weight and fetal growth according to the antenatal care plan. |
| Late pregnancy | Reinforce healthy eating, iron/folate and other locally indicated supplementation, birth preparedness, breastfeeding preparation and postpartum nutrition planning. |
When nutrition concerns may be urgent
Do not manage warning signs with diet alone
Nutrition education complements clinical care. Concerning symptoms require appropriate maternity assessment.
Unable to drink or repeated vomiting
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down can lead to dehydration and needs clinical assessment.
Fainting, severe weakness or breathlessness
These may be associated with anaemia, cardiovascular problems or other urgent conditions and should not be attributed to diet alone.
Heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain
Seek urgent maternity assessment rather than trying to manage the problem with food or supplements.
Severe headache, visual disturbance or sudden swelling
These can be warning signs of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and require urgent assessment.
Reduced or absent fetal movements
A change in fetal movement pattern later in pregnancy requires prompt maternity assessment according to local guidance.
Severe thirst with frequent urination or very high glucose
Seek clinical advice, particularly if diabetes or gestational diabetes is known or suspected.
For midwives, nurses & educators
A practical nutrition counselling sequence
1. Ask
Ask what the woman normally eats, what foods are available, what she avoids, how she is feeling, and whether there are financial, cultural or household barriers.
2. Assess
Review weight trajectory, anaemia screening, medical conditions, symptoms, pregnancy type, supplement use and other relevant nutritional risks.
3. Advise
Give a small number of practical, culturally appropriate food and supplement recommendations that the woman can realistically follow.
4. Follow up
Reassess at subsequent antenatal contacts and refer for dietetic, medical or social support when the nutritional problem is significant or persistent.
Teach-back: Ask the woman to explain the key recommendations in her own words. This can reveal misunderstandings and make counselling more useful than simply giving a list of instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Maternal nutrition FAQs
What is a healthy diet during pregnancy?
A healthy pregnancy diet provides adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals from a variety of foods. WHO highlights vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat, fish, beans, nuts and other nutrient-dense foods, adapted to local foods, culture, preferences and availability.
How much iron and folic acid is recommended in pregnancy?
WHO recommends daily oral supplementation containing 30–60 mg of elemental iron and 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid during pregnancy. The exact product, timing and management of side-effects should follow the antenatal provider and local programme.
Does every pregnant woman need calcium tablets?
WHO recommends calcium supplementation for pregnant women in populations where dietary calcium intake is low, particularly to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and related complications. Whether supplementation is appropriate and the dose should be determined using local guidance and individual assessment.
Should a pregnant woman eat for two?
Pregnancy increases nutritional requirements, but it does not mean simply doubling food intake. The focus should be nutrient-dense foods, adequate energy and protein, appropriate weight gain and individualized advice.
Can I lose weight during pregnancy?
Intentional weight-loss diets are generally not appropriate during pregnancy without specialist clinical direction. The goal is appropriate gestational weight gain based on pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy type and individual circumstances.
What foods should be avoided during pregnancy?
Food-safety risks include undercooked animal foods, unpasteurized products and contaminated food or water. Specific restrictions can vary by country and individual circumstances, so follow current local guidance.
Are herbal supplements safe in pregnancy?
Not necessarily. “Natural” does not automatically mean safe during pregnancy. Discuss herbal products, traditional remedies, powders and supplements with a qualified healthcare professional before use.
When should nutrition counselling happen?
WHO recommends nutrition counselling during antenatal care, beginning early and continuing through pregnancy. It can address diet quality, weight gain, micronutrient supplementation, food safety, physical activity and individual nutritional risks.
Guideline references
Evidence base
Key WHO and WHO/FAO resources used for this educational page.
WHO Recommendations on maternal health (2025)
Current WHO recommendations include counselling about healthy eating and physical activity during pregnancy and describe a healthy diet as providing adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals from a variety of foods.
WHO maternal health recommendations
WHO: Nutrition counselling during pregnancy
WHO describes nutrition education and counselling as an antenatal intervention focused on dietary diversity, adequate weight gain, balanced energy and protein intake and appropriate use of micronutrient or food supplements.
WHO nutrition counselling resource
WHO: Daily iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy
WHO recommends daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation containing 30–60 mg elemental iron and 400 µg folic acid during pregnancy.
WHO iron–folic acid recommendation
WHO: Calcium supplementation during pregnancy
WHO recommends calcium supplementation in populations with low dietary calcium intake to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and related complications.
WHO calcium recommendation
WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience
WHO recommends nutrition counselling and healthy eating/physical activity counselling as part of antenatal care.
WHO ANC guideline
WHO & FAO: What are healthy diets? (2024)
The joint WHO/FAO statement explains the principles of healthy diets and emphasizes that healthy dietary patterns should be adapted to individual characteristics, preferences, culture and locally available foods.
WHO/FAO healthy diets statement
Educational information: This page provides general nutrition and health education based primarily on WHO guidance. It is not a substitute for individualized antenatal care, medical diagnosis, dietetic assessment or treatment. Supplement doses, dietary restrictions and management should follow current national/local guidance and the woman's clinical circumstances. Seek urgent maternity care for severe or concerning symptoms.