Cow & Gate pregnancy diet calculator

A recent study has found that pregnant women are not meeting the Department of Health and Children’s (DOHC) national food pyramid guidelines for healthy eating during pregnancy. The study was conducted by Danone Baby Nutrition and the UCD Centre for Human Reproduction at the Coombe, and highlights that diet during pregnancy is fundamental to maternal health. In response to this study, Cow&Gate have now launched a new app designed to help mothers monitor their diet during pregnancy. The app provides an analysis of how their diet compares with that of the DOHC food pyramid guidelines for pregnancy. The results will indicate if they are meeting the guidelines and will also provide dietary advice to help pregnant women achieve a healthy balanced diet.

 

The most shocking finding of the study was that only 5% of those who participated in the study achieved the recommended intake of five servings of dairy foods (i.e. milk, cheese and yoghurt) per day during pregnancy. These foods provide essential nutrients for expectant mothers, especially calcium which is essential for building strong and healthy bones.

 

Speaking about the new Cow&Gate Pregnancy diet calculator, Senior Nutritionist with Cow&Gate, Emma Shannon said: “The Cow & Gate pregnancy diet calculator is like a personal nutritionist for expectant mothers, it easily and effectively highlights areas of their diet that they need to improve in order to maximize their health and the health of their unborn child.” Emma added: “If you’re pregnant, here are some tips to help. You’ll feel better knowing that you’re giving your baby the best start in life and you’ll feel good too”:

 

Folic acid:

Take one 400ug supplement of folic acid before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in addition to what you get in your diet. Folic acid is essential for making a baby and helping to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTD). Foods that are naturally rich in folic acid include green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach and dried beans are recommended to be taken along with a daily supplement of folic acid.

 

Keep healthy snacks to hand:

Mums-to-be can be on the go a lot. Keep some room in your handbag for healthy snacks, such as fruit or crackers. It’s also a good idea to keep the fridge stocked up with many nutritious foods so when you’re ready to prepare a quick snack, it can be a healthy one.

 

Dairy products:

Dairy products (i.e. milk, yoghurt and cheese) provide the best source of calcium. The food pyramid states that all pregnant women include five portions of dairy foods in their diet (1/3 pint of milk, matchbox size of hard cheese, one pot of yoghurt). Calcium is important for good bone strength and development. Choose low-fat versions, you will still receive the same amount of calcium but less fat. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Talk to your GP or midwife to see if you need to take vitamin D supplements.

 

Choose high fibre:

Choose high fibre foods such as wholegrain cereals, breads, brown rice, fruit and vegetables. Eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables every day. This, together with drinking at least eight glasses of clear fluid daily will not only minimise the symptoms of constipation which can be common during pregnancy, but keep you at your best.

 

Keep active:

Regular physical activity, such as a brisk walk or swimming, is good for your overall wellbeing and will also help you maintain a healthy weight during your pregnancy. Choose activities you enjoy and have fun doing. 

 

The Cow&Gate Pregnancy Diet Calculator smart phone app is available to download free of charge at http://www.feedingforlife.ie/mobile-apps