A report by the Infant & Toddler forum (ITF) has called for nutritional guidance in preconception and pregnancy to be a public health priority. The report Early Nutrition for Later Health: Time to Act Earlier describes the emerging evidence that a mother’s weight and nutritional status before, during and between pregnancies can have a lasting effect on her baby’s health and risk of disease in later life.

Yet the report also highlights the confusion and lack of advice mums receive during pregnancy. Of the 1,000 women surveyed, 46 per cent said they made no changes to their diet during their pregnancy despite 64 per cent saying they would welcome more advice and support. In response to the findings, the ITF has launched a factsheet series Healthy Eating in Pregnancy to help healthcare professionals support families in making healthy lifestyle choices. The first factsheet can be downloaded at: www.infantandtoddlerforum.org