A new study has found that pregnant women are skimping on fruit and vegetables and eating too much unsuitable food during their pregnancy, which could be leading to weight gain over the recommended level.
The research, published in the journal Nutrition & Dietetics, showed that mothers to be are eating less than half the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables, while at least a third gained more weight than they should have.
Study researchers Shelley Wilkinson and Debby Tolcher surveyed 304 women who attended Australian maternal health services around the time of their pregnancy.
Commenting on the study Ms Tolcher said: " Expectant mums need plenty of vegetables, fruits, and wholegrain breads and cereals, and moderate amounts of reduced-fat dairy foods and lean meat (or alternatives, like legumes).
" Around 55 per cent of the pregnant women in our study wanted to learn about good nutrition. But only a small number had access to a dietitian, either during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby, for advice on healthy eating and healthy weight gain in pregnancy."
This news comes recently after research claimed that the sex of an unborn baby can be influenced by the diet of their mothers in the early stages of pregnancy.
