Nutritionist Shares Top Tips To Make Your Pregnancy Easier

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The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to hospital this week for acute morning sickness - also known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

What that means is that Kate will be suffering from excessive vomiting during the early stages of her pregnancy and, as a result, could become seriously dehydrated.

This made us think: pregnancy can be hard work. And it can be even harder when your nutrition is in a state of disarray.

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Cue Henrietta Norton, head of Nutrition at Grace Belgravia and founder of Wild Nutrition, sharing her top five foodie tips for mums-to-be.

From avoiding dehydration (a major cause of constipation, morning sickness and serious headaches) to why eating protein is incredibly good for your baby (thumbs up to that!) - prepare to be enlightened...

5 Nutrition Tips For Mums-To-Be

1. Keep well hydrated(01 of05)

Dehydration is a common contributor to morning sickness as well as constipation. Increase your water intake to around 2 litres of filtered water a day (8 glasses). If morning sickness makes you want to steer away from cold drinks, drink warm water with fresh lemon or fresh mint. (credit:WLADIMIR BULGAR via Getty Images)

2. Embrace protein and fats(02 of05)

Protein and healthy fats from grass fed meat, coconut oil, organic eggs, dairy or wild-caught fish are an excellent source of key pregnancy nutrients such as vitamin D,E and K. Oily fish, nuts and seeds are also a rich source of the fatty acids DHA and EPA, critical for healthy brain and nervous system development of your baby in the first and third trimester. (credit:anna1311 via Getty Images)

3. Be prepared(03 of05)

Keep healthy snacks on you at all times. In the early weeks this is an excellent way of supporting energy and minimising morning sickness. Excellent snacks include brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, organic apricots or home-made poached salmon or mackerel pate. This will reduce that urge to grab something less healthy if you have an energy dip. If you are caught out once in a while try not to feel guilty, we can only do our best. (credit:yangchao via Getty Images)

4. Eat as Nature intended(04 of05)

This is the most efficient way of ensuring a wide range of antioxidants and minimizing processed foods and sugars. Bulk cooking soups or using a slow cooker is a great way to plan ahead and avoid the hell of cooking after a long day at work. (credit:Richard Loader via Getty Images)

5. Nourish your gut(05 of05)

The powerhouse of health for you and your baby. Approximately 70% of your immune system is located in the gut and where nutrient absorption and production happens. Take a good quality probiotic, especially in the last trimester in preparation for birth. Evidence shows that good bacteria acquired by the baby during birth reduces the risk of atopic disease such as asthma or eczema in childhood. (credit:Lauri Patterson via Getty Images)

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