It is essential to have a nutritious diet in order to get pregnant and maintain a healthy pregnancy. This also means alcohol, high sugar and fast food should be reduced to an absolute minimum. Skipping meals as well as working or reading while eating are also ill-advised. Treat yourself with the upmost care and make the choices you would make as a parent. Make your meal times special. Give yourself healthy foods that you like and try treating yourself to something new. Ensure there is time and space for your food adventure, to savour your food with no rush or distraction to get the most nutrients out of it; your body gets the most out of the food you eat when it is relaxed.

Make sure to include eggs, fish and meat, some saturated fats (needed for your hormonal health), cold pressed oils, a colourful variety of vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruits, pulses and grains. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, make sure you have enough protein, iron and B12 in your diet and include quality prenatal supplements.

It is important to hydrate your body. I recommend soups, stews and enough water. Also, if you notice that you feel cold in your body, having cold salads and drinks can slow down your digestion and absorption of nutrients. Try to have more warm cooked foods and add ginger, cinnamon and spices to your food and drink.