Advice for pregnancy: What to eat and drink and what not to!

William Atkins
Thursday, 21 January 2010 18:52

Science - Health

According to Foods Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), there are several very important things to remember about eating and drinking before and during pregnancy to make sure your baby is born healthy.


Foods Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is a bi-national Government agency.

Its main concern, according to its website, is “…to develop and administer the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code), which lists requirements for foods such as additives, food safety, labelling and GM foods.”

The FSANZ media release “Thinking about getting pregnant in 2010?–vital information launched today about what you eat and drink,” states that there are seven tips for safe eating and drinking before and during pregnancy.

The website states, “It’s an exciting time if you are thinking about having a baby. There are seven key things to remember when eating and drinking to make sure that you and your baby are healthy. Some of these things take a bit of planning and so it is best to start before you become pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant - don’t worry - start following this advice as soon as you can.”

Dr. Paul Brent, FSANZ’s chief scientist, states, “Women can often rely on female friends and relatives for advice when they become pregnant but much of this current advice from FSANZ is based on the latest science that may not have been around even a few decades ago.”

Dr. Brent continues, “If you think you might be pregnant - don’t worry - start following this advice as soon as you can. If you are thinking about having a baby it’s a good idea to visit your doctor and discuss what you may need to do to prepare.”

The seven tips, brought to you by FSANZ, for safe eating and drinking before and during pregnancy are found on page two.