Healthy eating and physical activity are part of a healthy pregnancy. These resources can help you learn about staying healthy before and during your pregnancy.

Eating During Pregnancy

Eating well is important for your health and the health of your baby. Learn more about what to eat when you are pregnant.

• Canada's food guide: Healthy eating when pregnant and breastfeeding
• Healthy Eating Guidelines for Pregnancy
• Nutrition During Pregnancy

Vegetarian Eating During Pregnancy

A balanced vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients you need during pregnancy. Learn more about choosing a vegetarian diet during pregnancy.

• Healthy Vegetarian Eating During Pregnancy
• Pregnancy: Vegetarian Diet

Taking Supplements

A daily multivitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid is recommended before and during pregnancy for the healthy development of your baby.  Some women may also need other supplements, such as iron, to meet their increased needs.  Speak to your health care provider to learn what supplements are best for you. Learn more about vitamins and supplements in this section:

• Folate and Your Health (HealthLinkBC File 68g)
• Iron and Your Health (HealthLinkBC File 68c)
• Iron in Foods (HealthLinkBC File 68d)
• Pregnancy and Nutrition: Folate and Preventing Neural Tube Defects (HealthLinkBC File 38c)                        

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes can happen during pregnancy as hormone levels in your body change. Healthy eating and regular activity help control your blood glucose. Follow up with your health care provider if you plan to change your diet or have questions about the foods you eat. Learn more about Diabetes and Hypoglycemia.  

Food Safety

The risk of getting food-borne illness increases with pregnancy. Follow food safety precautions for pregnancy to ensure you and your baby stay healthy. Learn more about food safety during pregnancy.

• Caffeine during Pregnancy
• Foodborne Illness During Pregnancy
• Healthy Eating Guidelines for Food Safety during Pregnancy

Physical Activity During Pregnancy

It is possible to have an active lifestyle while pregnant. Physical activity (in those without contraindications can help achieve meaning health benefits and lower your risk of pregnancy-related illnesses (such as depression, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and preeclampsia. . The key is to do it safely. Consult with your health care provider if you have any absolute or relative contraindication as listed in the CSEP 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy.

• Be Active: Move to Feel Good
• Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity
• Exercising Safely During a Pregnancy
• Healthy Physical Activity During Pregnancy

Healthy Weight

Weight gain is a normal part of a healthy pregnancy.  Being active and eating well can help promote healthy weight gain.  Talk to your health care provider about how much weight gain is appropriate for you.  Learn more about healthy weights:

• Fitness: Staying Active When You Have Young Children
• Healthy Weight When Planning a Pregnancy
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight After Pregnancy
• Weight Gain During Pregnancy, By Trimester

Last Updated: June 2021