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Last updated: September 17, 2024
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.
On this page:
- Healthy eating
- Vegetarian diet
- Taking supplements
- Gestational diabetes
- Food safety
- Physical activity
- Healthy weight
- Additional resources
Healthy eating
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 diet
A balanced vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients you need during pregnancy. Learn more about choosing and maintaining a vegetarian diet during your pregnancy.
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 people may also need other supplements, such as iron, to meet their increased needs. Speak to your healthcare provider to learn what supplements are best for you. Learn more about vitamins and supplements.
- Iron and Your Health (HealthLinkBC File #68c)
- Iron in Foods (HealthLinkBC File #68d)
- Pregnancy and folic acid (folate): 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 healthcare 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
- Healthy Pregnancy Guide
Physical activity
It is possible to have an active lifestyle while pregnant. Physical activity, in those without contraindications, can help achieve meaningful 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.
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 healthcare 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
- Pregnancy: Healthy Weight Gain
Additional resources
Health Canada is responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health. Health Canada resources provide information and guidelines to women about pregnancy supports, sexual health and preconception health (health before pregnancy), healthy eating, physical activity, and mental and oral health before and during pregnancy. Learn more about Health Canada support for those who are pregnant.