Healthy weight
Women who are overweight (BMI, body mass index over 30) are more likely to have difficulty conceiving and are also more likely to develop complications during pregnancy. Complications such as miscarriage, high blood pressure and diabetes are all more likely, as are difficulties during labour and delivery. If you are undergoing fertility treatment, this is less likely to be successful if you are overweight. It is therefore recommended that you maintain a healthy weight and pre-pregnancy you can use the BMI healthy weight calculator to work out what your ideal weight should be. If you are already pregnant, you should discuss this with your midwife or doctor.
You can get further advice from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/.
Healthy diet
A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time but is especially vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow.
You do not need to go on a special diet, but it's important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need.
It's best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, but when you're pregnant you need to take a folic acid supplement as well, to make sure you get everything you need.
For further information go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/healthy-pregnancy-diet/.
For information on foods to avoid go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/foods-to-avoid-pregnant/.