We have some ideas for healthy snacks that you can try to get your extra energy during the third trimester.
Pregnancy is not the time to be restrictive with food or to diet, as this can stop you and your baby getting the nutrients you need. If you have a high BMI or feel you need support with having a healthy diet, speak with your midwife about dietary and lifestyle advice to manage this safely in pregnancy.
It is important to remember not to put too much pressure on yourself when thinking about how much you are eating. This can lead to anxiety about weight gain and issues with your mental wellbeing. However, eating more foods that are high in sugar and fat can cause problems such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. So the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to focus on trying to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
There may be many reasons why you feel like you are unable to have a healthy diet during pregnancy, related to sickness or emotional wellbeing. If you feel like you are struggling, please contact your GP or midwife who can refer you to a nutritionist for extra support.
Example meal
A healthy, balanced diet is made up of 5 main food categories:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Carbohydrates including potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates
- Dairy or dairy alternatives
- Protein sources like beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat
- Oils and spreads
You do not need to have this balance every day, but keeping to this as a guide will help you have a healthy, balanced diet. You can download a copy of the NHS Eatwell guide to help you plan a healthy diet.
Some sugary foods are not needed in our diet but we can eat them as a treat, in smaller amounts. These foods include chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sugary soft drinks, butter, ghee and ice cream. Find out more about having a healthy, balanced diet in pregnancy.
Here is an example of what a dinner plate might look like:
