Foetal life, infancy, and childhood are a time of rapid growth and development that requires the right energy and nutrition. This is the time in a young life when nutrition can have an impact that lasts a lifetime. Early life nutrition has a significant role on the development of the brain and immune system, as well as how the body metabolically reacts to foods or nutrients, that in turn may influence the likelihood of developing conditions such as obesity, allergy, heart disease and diabetes in later life.
Smart nutrition planning starts in preconception and continues through a child’s first few years. At each stage of a young life, Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition is dedicated to improving the generations of today and tomorrow through early life nutrition with expertise, support and advice.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy, and taking a regular pregnancy supplement, should give a mother and her child all the nutrients they need. Unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional, no other supplements are necessary.
Folic acid (also known as folate) is a B-group vitamin that’s important for the healthy development of the foetus in early pregnancy. For women that are of child-bearing age, are pregnant, or planning on getting pregnant, it’s recommended to take extra folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The best way to get enough folate is to take a daily supplement for at least one month before conceiving, and three months after.
At least 600µg per day + 400µg folic acid supplement
A woman's thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones that are important for the normal development of her baby’s brain and nervous system. So it’s very important that mothers consume enough iodine when pregnant.
220µg per day + 150µg iodine supplement
Find out more at: NHMRC
Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. When pregnant, a mother's calcium needs don’t actually increase: 1,000mg daily (for women aged 19–50) and 1,300mg daily (for adolescents or women over 51). Dairy foods (such as milk, cheese and yoghurt) and calcium-fortified soy milk are excellent dietary sources of calcium.
1000mg per day
Long chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosaxhexanoic acid (DHA), are very important for a baby’s neurological development. When pregnant or breast feeding, it’s recommended that a mother consumes 200mg of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA daily.
200mg per day
Although it’s important to continue to eat fish when pregnant, pregnant women should be careful about which fish they choose. Some types of fish contain mercury levels that can harm their baby’s developing nervous system. This includes orange roughy (deep sea perch), swordfish and marlin. Instead, they should opt for fish such as mackerel, canned tuna, salmon and sardines.
Find out more at: NSW Food Authority.
For a pregnant mum, increasing their intake of iron - either through diet or by taking a supplement - can help them build their baby’s iron stores. Iron helps support the baby's blood formation, which helps transport oxygen around their body.
27mg per day
It is vital for a pregnant mother to consume vitamin D for their baby’s bone structure. It can also prevent Rickets (the softening of bones), and may reduce their risk of allergies.
When pregnant, there are some foods that are recommended for a woman to avoid. This is usually because the food has a higher risk of containing bacteria such as listeria or salmonella.
Foods to avoid include: Unpasteurised milk or any foods made from unpasteurised milk, liver and patés, raw seafood, raw meats, raw or runny eggs, cold cooked chicken, processed meats, soft cheeses, pre-packed salads and alcohol.
Foods to limit include: Shark, swordfish, orange roughy (also called deep sea perch), catfish and caffeine.
When pregnant or breast feeding, a woman does not need to avoid consuming nuts for fear of triggering a later allergy in her baby. She should only avoid nuts if she is allergic to them.
Find out more at: Eat For Health
There’s no need for a pregnant woman to eat more food during the first trimester of pregnancy. For the first trimester, her energy intake should stay about the same as it was before she fell pregnant. During the second and third trimesters, her energy requirements will probably increase by about 1,400kJ - 1,900kJ a day. Increasing her diet with small snacks such as an additional piece of fruit, a sandwich and a tub of yoghurt will give her the extra energy she requires.
1,400kJ - 1,900kJ extra a day
Find out more at: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values for ANZ.
Irregular bowel movements can be quite common during pregnancy. To help, it’s recommended that a pregnant woman eats a high fibre diet with plenty of wholegrain cereals, fruit, vegetables and legumes and drinks sufficient water.
Find out more at: Eat For Health
Nutrition for babies