What a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy is the main source of nourishment for the baby. So, it is recommended that a pregnant woman choose a variety of healthy foods and beverages to provide the important nutrients a baby needs for growth and development.

Pregnant women need calcium, folic acid, iron and protein during her pregnancy. A healthy diet for a pregnant woman should consists of good amount of beans and legumes, citrus fruits and juices, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, poultry, pork, and fish. Food rich in folate is essential for proper development of baby during first three months of pregnancy. However, it is difficult to fulfill the daily requirement of folate from food alone so folic acid supplement given by the doctor should also be taken regularly.

To fulfill the increased protein and calcium demand of pregnancy low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and paneer should be consumed on daily basis. It plays a key role during the second and third trimesters, when baby's overall growth as well as bone and tooth development reaches its peak. 

Iron rich food such as red meat, pork and poultry, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit such as raisins, dates and apricots and fruits such as apple, banana, pomegranate, and guava should be consumed in adequate amount to fulfill the requirement of iron during third trimester of pregnancy.

There are certain foods which can hinder the baby's development and every pregnant woman should know about them. Eating fish during pregnancy is safe as long as it is not high in mercury content. River and pond fish are better than sea fish as sea fish may have high mercury content. Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, chocolates and all junk foods should be avoided. Consuming alcohol can cause serious problem during the pregnancy. It is best to avoid uncooked food, unpasteurized milk and milk products. Fruits and spices such as unripe papaya, pineapple, grapes, sesame seeds, fenugreek seed (methi seeds), fennel seeds and, ajinomoto should also be avoided during pregnancy.