Having a healthy diet is an important part of living well and during pregnancy your diet helps to support the growth and development of your child. A balanced diet should include at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day and limit foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar.
Healthy Start is a national scheme that allows eligible women who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, to get help to buy healthy food, milk, and infant formula.
You could receive:
- £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
- £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
- £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
If you are receiving welfare support, you may be entitled to Healthy Start. Visit the NHS Healthy Start page to find out more.
Free vitamins
Free vitamins are also available for all pregnant women and children under 4.
Young children and those who are pregnant, and breastfeeding may not be getting enough vitamin A, C and D in their diet. Taking vitamins can help to support your baby develop in the womb and keep your body healthy during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding.
The vitamins for pregnant women contain:
- Folic acid: lowers the chance of babies having spinal problems
- Vitamin C: helps the body’s soft tissue
- Vitamin D: helps babies’ bones to develop properly
The vitamin drops for children contain:
- Vitamin A: for growth, vision, and healthy skin
- Vitamin C: maintenance of healthy tissue
- Vitamin D: for strong bones and teeth
Free vitamins are available to collect from Family Wellbeing Centres in Brent.