Pregnancy Nutrition: Why 86% of Singaporean Moms Say Their Diets Are Only Moderately Healthy

Pregnancy nutrition is top of mind for many moms, but putting healthy eating into practice isn’t always easy. In a recent survey, 86% of Singaporean moms said their nutrition habits during pregnancy were only “moderately healthy”—highlighting the gap between intention and reality.

Between pregnancy cravings, food aversions, and busy schedules, maintaining a perfectly balanced diet can feel out of reach. But with the right support and simple strategies, better nutrition is achievable—and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Singaporean mom eating bao concerned about pregnancy nutrition

Why Moms Struggle With Pregnancy Nutrition

Even moms who start pregnancy with good intentions often struggle to keep their diet on track. Here’s why:

🔹 Pregnancy Symptoms – Nausea, fatigue, and food aversions can make healthy foods less appealing, especially in the first trimester.
🔹 Conflicting Advice – From books and blogs to family and friends, moms are often overwhelmed with mixed messages about what they should or shouldn’t eat.
🔹 Busy Lifestyles – Between work, appointments, and managing the home, finding time to prep nutritious meals can be tough.
🔹 Limited Local Options – Eating out or ordering in may be more convenient, but it doesn’t always lead to the most nutritious choices.

Many moms settle into a “good enough” routine—eating moderately healthy, but falling short of ideal pregnancy nutrition.


What Better Pregnancy Nutrition Looks Like

When moms aim to improve their diets, these are the changes that make a difference:

✅ Prioritize Key Nutrients – Focus on folic acid, iron, calcium, DHA, and fiber—nutrients essential for your baby’s development and your well-being.
✅ Choose Smart Snacks – Keep easy, nutritious options like fruit, yogurt, and nuts on hand to manage hunger and curb cravings.
✅ Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water supports digestion, circulation, and overall energy.
✅ Don’t Aim for Perfection – It’s okay to have occasional indulgences—balance is better than restriction.
✅ Plan Simple Meals – Even basic home-cooked meals with rice, veggies, and lean protein can meet most daily nutritional needs.

These small, realistic habits are key to building better pregnancy nutrition without the pressure of being perfect.

In addition, understanding cultural preferences, dietary restrictions, and trimester-specific needs can help moms personalize their approach to nutrition. For example, incorporating traditional dishes with slight adjustments can ensure meals are both nourishing and familiar. Seeking out prenatal-friendly recipes that align with one’s cultural palate can also increase adherence to a healthier diet.

It’s also worth noting that many expectant moms experience changes in taste or smell, which can further complicate meal planning. Embracing flexibility and allowing space for nutritional wins—even if they’re small—can reduce food guilt and promote consistency.


How MomGenie Supports Pregnancy Nutrition 💡

53% of Singaporean moms ask MomGenie for tips on nutrition and diet during pregnancy.

MomGenie, Supermom’s AI-powered pregnancy assistant, is a trusted source of 24/7 support. Whether you’re managing food aversions, figuring out what to eat during nausea, or looking for pregnancy-safe snacks, MomGenie provides personalized, expert-backed tips instantly.

Moms use MomGenie to:

  • Get quick answers about food safety
  • Find nutrient-rich snack and meal ideas
  • Learn what nutrients to focus on each trimester
  • Ask about hydration and supplements

MomGenie can also recommend balanced meal ideas using common local ingredients, provide easy substitutions when cravings strike, and even suggest ways to optimize your daily routine with nutritious snacks or quick fixes. It’s like having a pregnancy-friendly nutritionist in your pocket—anytime you need it.

With MomGenie, moms spend less time stressing about what to eat—and more time feeling confident in their daily choices.

👉 Check out MomGenie

Conclusion: With 86% of Singapore moms reporting only moderately healthy eating during pregnancy, it’s clear that better nutrition doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be practical.

Backed by guidance from MomGenie, small improvements in everyday eating habits can go a long way. Because better pregnancy nutrition isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what works, one bite at a time. ❤️

Check out Supermom’s guide to picking the best pregnancy supplements here, and our insight into food aversion and how to handle it here!

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