Did you know that it is harder for a couple to start a family if they have a poor diet? Or that some babies are born with medical conditions because their mother lacked a certain mineral? It may seem amazing, but food plays an important part in the healthy development of babies. In this section, we look at how diet can affect conception, pregnancy and also breastfeeding.

The impact of food choices on health and development 

What we eat at different times of life can have an impact on our short-term and long-term health. In theory, a poor diet can also have an effect on the future health of any babies that women go on to have. 

During pre-pregnancy 

Women and men need to have a healthy diet if they wish to start a family. It seems to make a difference not just for the baby’s health but also to becoming pregnant. It is important for women to try to be a healthy weight for their height as this also makes it easier to conceive. 

During pregnancy 

It is recommended that women thinking of becoming pregnant take a folic acid supplement and also eat plenty of green vegetables, such as cabbage, sprouts and spinach. This is because, in the first few weeks of pregnancy, a lack of folic acid can cause a medical condition in babies called spina bifida. In the first few months of pregnancy, women should also avoid consuming high levels of drinks containing caffeine, such as energy drinks and coffee. This is because it increases the risk of miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, there is a range of foods to be avoided, including unpasteurised cheeses, uncooked eggs, and undercooked meat, as these can cause infections and food poisoning. It is also recommended that women do not overeat or under-eat during pregnancy. Eating for two is therefore a myth. While some weight gain is normal, women are encouraged to eat healthily to ensure they remain fit and well. As well as the advice to eat healthily during pregnancy, women are advised not to drink alcohol. A condition known as foetal alcohol syndrome is caused by alcohol and affects the development of the baby’s brain.

During breastfeeding 

Women who breastfeed need to drink plenty of fluid and make sure that they eat plenty of foods that are calcium-rich. This is because extra calcium is needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women also need to eat slightly more, but still healthily, so as to make sure that there is enough milk for the baby. As with pregnancy, women should avoid high-risk foods associated with food poisoning, such as raw eggs or undercooked meat.