What to eat and drink if pregnant or planning a pregnancy

Foods Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released an information pack containing brochures, fact sheets, web videos and a web seminar with the latest advice on what to eat and drink during pregnancy and while planning a pregnancy.

The seven tips for safe eating and drinking before and during pregancy are (1):-

1. Eat a healthy balanced diet

2. Get enough folic acid from food and supplements. Take a supplement of at least 400ug of folic acid daily one month before and 3 months after becoming pregnant

3. Get enough iodine from food and supplements. Take a supplement of at least 150ug of iodine daily durng pregnancy and lactation

4. Eat 2-3 serves of fish per week limiting those with high levels of mercury

5. Avoid foods which could contain listeria such as soft cheeses; soft serve icecream; pate; chilled seafood; fruit and/or vegetable salads that have been packaged or pre prepared; cold cooked meats from sandwich bars and packaged ready to eat meats

6. Don't drink alcohol while pregnant or breast feeding

7.Limit caffeine intake daily  to 4 cups of tea, or 3 cups of instant coffee or four cola drinks or one espresso coffee.

Visit www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/adviceforpregnantwomen for more detailed information

References.

1. FSANZ. Advice for women with babies on their minds or in their arms. www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/adviceforpregnantwomen