Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life that brings with it focus on her diet. Adequate nutrient stores like folic acid, a healthy weight, the absence of eating disorders and substance abuse as well as keeping away from smoking and alcohol intake can reduce the risk of fetal complications. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a set of physical, mental and behavioral outcome of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Obesity can complicate pregnancy, delivery and lead to hypertension and gestational diabetes. Being too thin also carries similar risks. However, the time to lose or gain weight is well before pregnancy. Obese pregnant women should not diet.

As per researches, all women of child-bearing age, not just pregnant women, must consume supplements of folic acid to prevent neural tube defect. However, it is crucial to avoid getting too much vitamin A during pregnancy as this can lead to birth defects.

Those pregnant must not use drugs containing vitamin A like acne medications that have retinol or its analogues. Getting abundant amounts through vegetables and fruits is safe though.

While weight gain varies widely among women, an average of 10-15 kgs is considered appropriate, based on weight status prior pregnancy. Maximum weight gain occurs during the second and third trimesters. It is good to have little weight gain (less than 2 kgs) for the first 12 weeks. Then, in the second and third trimesters, a weight gain of about 500 gm a week is suggested. Unexpected weight gain during pregnancy may indicate hormonal imbalance.

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