How to protect your baby before conception

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy can influence baby's lifelong health

Moderately active? Aim for around 2000 calories a day and eat a variety of healthy foods each day to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy.

Did you know? If you’re thinking about starting a family, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle now can have a big impact on your baby-to-be in the future.

There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.

The key question to ask if you’re being tested for, or monitoring, gestational diabetes.

Eating well now can have a positive impact on your pregnancy, as well as a lasting effect on your baby’s health.

A mom-to-be does not need to eat for two

Did you know? Your partner’s diet and lifestyle can play a vital role in conceiving your future baby.

Pregnancy is exciting, exhilarating and totally different for every woman. Here is a list of some common pregnancy concerns plus some positive action steps you can take that might help make your pregnancy all it can be.

Eating well before you conceive can help your future baby have the best possible start in life. Here’s how to get some of the essential vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy pregnancy.

Eating for two doesn’t mean eating twice as much food, but it should mean making your food work twice as hard.

Learn how to enjoy a variety of healthy foods each day to give your pregnancy – and your baby-to-be – a healthy start!

Babies’ taste preferences start before they are born

Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of changes and anticipation. Your baby is growing month by month as they get ready to be welcomed into the world, and in about 40 weeks, they'll be ready to make their debut.

Breastfeeding is a learned process—by mom and baby—and you may face some challenges in the first few months of breastfeeding. The most important advice is to seek help as soon as you sense a problem and find a good support network early on.

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your plans to become pregnant, then fill out this preconception checklist and take it with you.

Practical action steps to take before, during, and after birth

Breastmilk has everything your little one needs to grow*—and offers benefits for you, too.

 * All breastfeed, full-term infants in Canada should receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 10µg (400IU)