During pregnancy, it is important for a woman to go to antenatal care visits to screen for potential complications and treat problems as they arise during pregnancy. In addition, healthy nutrition, rest, and good hygiene is important during pregnancy.

Nutrition during pregnancy
The following is important points to know regarding nutrition during pregnancy. 

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• Adequate weight gain during pregnancy is important:
  - The total weight gain during pregnancy is ~ 11-16 kg
  - Normal weight gain during the first months of pregnancy is about 1-1.5 kg
  
  Note: A pregnant woman needs more energy for the growing fetus - see image below! 
  - First trimester: a woman should eat 3 meals a day plus one extra healthy snack
  - Second trimester: a woman should eat 3 meals a day plus two extra healthy snacks
  - Third trimester: a woman should eat 3 meals plus 3 extra healthy snacks or a small meal (if possible) 
   

• Eating healthy and staying physically active during pregnancy is important for the development of the baby’s brain and organs:
  - A healthy diet consists of a variety of foods including green and orange vegetables, meat, fish, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fruit
  – Use oil, butter, margarine, or ghee to improve the absorption of vitamins and to provide extra energy
  - Drink several glasses of water each day: 2 liters of water/liquids every day
  - Use iodized salt during pregnancy to prevent iodine deficiency disorders which can result in stillbirth, learning disabilities, and poor growth of the baby

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• What to avoid during pregnancy (because it can harm the baby):
  - Drinking alcohol
  - Smoking
  - Eating raw fish and meat, and unpasteurized dairy (can cause bacterial infection)
  - High daily caffeine intake (maximum 300 mg per day) 
  - Avoid cooking with biofuel (such as wood, dung, plastic waste, and crop residues) in the home. If need to use biofuel, cook with it outside the house