Tastes in Foods

It is common during pregnancy for tastes for certain foods to change. You may find that you cannot take some food and drinks which previously you had enjoyed, like coffee or alcohol. Similarly you may find that you have an increased liking for certain foods which previously you had not enjoyed, eg. citrus fruits. Some women develop cravings for odd combinations of food. As long as you are eating a healthy balanced diet, increasing the amount of one food or cutting out another will not matter. Keep cravings for very sweet or high fat foods like chocolate in moderation.

Weight gain in pregnancy

The average weight gain in pregnancy is 12.5kg (28 pounds)

This weight is made up of:

• Baby – 2.5 - 4kg (5-9 pounds)
• Placenta – 500 - 1000g (1-2 pounds)
• Amniotic fluid – 1.5 - 2.5kg (3-5 pounds)
• Extra weight of uterus, breast, and energy stores of fat – 2 - 5kg (4-11 pounds)
• Extra weight of blood – 2 - 4kg (4-9 pounds)

Some women gain weight from the very start of their pregnancy. Many put on very little in the weight in the last two to three weeks or stop gaining altogether.

Routine antenatal check-ups are essential. Checking blood pressure and your urine can detect early signs of pre-eclampsia.

For current information please visit the National Instuite of Clinical Excellence (NICE) at www.nice.org.uk and search 'antenatal care'.