Healthy diet in pregnancy

Eating a good balanced diet will help with the changes your body will go through during the pregnancy and the birth. A balanced diet includes eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and drinking lots of water.

Eating healthy during pregnancy will also help your new-born baby. A balanced diet will give you both vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

See more information about diet during pregnancy on the Humber and North Yorkshire Maternity website and the NHS guidance for information on healthy eating in pregnancy.

Healthy Start Scheme

The Healthy Start Scheme helps you to buy food and milk.

Apply for the Healthy Start Scheme online or contact the Healthy Child Service if support is needed to complete the application.

Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy

What happens in the first few years of a child’s life can shape their whole life.

Eating a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will make sure you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need, but when you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there are some recommended supplements for you to take.

These include 400 micrograms of folic acid, which can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects (a problem with a baby’s brain, spine, or spinal cord), and vitamin D to help you and your baby have strong bones and teeth.

Your GP, midwives or pregnancy specialist team will recommend the supplements best for you.

Find out more about:

• Folic Acid
• vitamins, minerals and supplements during pregnancy

Healthy Start vitamins are available to eligible women and children via providers located across York, see the NHS find healthy start vitamins locator.

York Health Trainers

City of York Council’s York Health Trainers offer free confidential one-to-one support and guidance, face-to-face or remotely for anyone aged 16 and over.