Are you pregnant? Make sure you read our Pregnacare A-Z of Pregnancy and Nutrition, covering everything important for parents-to-be. Next, we take a look at the letter J during pregnancy

Our Pregnacare A-Z is a series of posts, one for each letter of the alphabet, designed to help you understand your nutritional needs, how they change and the best foods to choose during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

This A to Z answers many of the important questions mums-to-be have about pregnancy and nutrition. It covers everything from antenatal care through to water intake, via pregnancy vitamin supplements.

You can download the full version of the guide in PDF format here.

If you have any further questions, make sure you ask your midwife or GP.

Pregnacare A-Z Of Pregnancy And Nutrition – What Does The Letter J Stand For?

Jaundice

What Does Jaundice Mean During Pregnancy?

Some pregnant women experience severe itching often during pregnancy. This symptom can be due to a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). The main symptom of ICP is itching, usually without a rash. For many women this is more noticeable on hands and feet but can be all over the body and worse at night. Mild jaundice (yellow colouration of skin and eyes), dark urine and pale poo can also occur in this condition. Both the itching and the jaundice occur because the liver becomes up to 30 times less efficient at getting rid of bile (a greenish-yellow fluid that is partly a waste product, and partly used to digest fat) during pregnancy. Always speak to your midwife or GP if concerned about itching as this should be investigated to eliminate ICP.^

^ Palmer DG, Eads J (2000) Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a critical review. J Perinat Neonatal Nursing 14: 39-51

Juice

Can I Drink Fruit Juice During Pregnancy?

Drinking juice is another way to make sure you get the recommended intake of eight glasses of water per day. Vitamin C requirements increase in pregnancy so a glass of fresh juice also helps to top this up. Be aware that fruit juice has a high sugar content and should be consumed in moderation.

Make sure you also check out the rest of our Pregnacare A-Z Guide to Pregnancy and Nutrition:

A / B / C / D / E / F / G / H / I / J / L / M / N / P / S / T / U / V / W 

While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate and reliable, this is intended as a guide only and not a substitute for advice from a health professional. Please note: Vitabiotics cannot guarantee the reliability of facts obtained from other third party information sources. Information correct at time of being published (May 2020).