3. Trimester
Week 42: Food and Drink
Pregnancy nutrition week by week — practical, clear, evidence-based.
Key nutrients this week
- ●Iron 30 mg/day
- ●Protein 1.3 g/kg body weight
- ●Fluid 2.5–3 l
Foods to enjoy now
- ✓Light, nutrient-dense meals — bananas, oats, whole-grain bread with nut butter
- ✓Chicken soup — warm, nutrient-rich, easy to digest
- ✓Dates and nuts as snack combo
- ✓Fruit and yoghurt — fluid, vitamins, protein
What to avoid
- ●Continue to avoid raw meat, raw-milk cheese and raw fish
- ●High-mercury fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel)
- ●Keep caffeine below 200 mg per day
- ●High-sodium ready meals — edema and high blood pressure risk
- ●Very sugary drinks — gestational diabetes risk
- ●Alcohol — no exceptions
Hydration
Stay well hydrated, keep circulation stable. If induced: follow hospital instructions (usually 6 h fasting if planned intervention).
Common concerns and tips
Past due date — labor induction is recommended by week 42 at latest. Nutrition: stable, balanced, don't change anything drastically. Trust your baby and body.
These recommendations follow DGGG, BZgA, NHS and WHO guidelines. They do not replace individualised medical advice. For gestational diabetes, allergies, or special dietary needs, consult your midwife or OB/GYN.
Weekly tips for you
Personalised info for your stage — free, no spam.