Important to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups throughout the day making certain you get the nutrients both you and your baby need. Some suggested sources for creating a healthy diet during pregnancy.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain many important nutrients for pregnancy especially, Vitamin C and Folic Acid. Pregnant women need at least 70 mg of Vitamin C daily, which is contained in fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and honeydew, and vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, and brussel sprouts.
In order to prevent neural tube defects, 0.4 mg of folic acid per day is recommended. A good source of folic acid can be found in dark green leafy vegetables (other sources of folic acid include legumes, such as black or lima beans, black-eyed peas, and veal). You should have at least 2-4 servings of fruit and 4 or more servings of vegetables daily.
Breads and Grains: Whole grain provide important nutrients such as iron, B Vitamins, fiber and some protein. You can get the required amount of folic acid from fortified bread and cereal. Depending on your weight and dietary needs, you should consume anywhere between (6-11 oz.) of whole breads/grains daily.
Protein: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and beans contain the protein, B vitamins and iron needed in pregnancy. Your developing baby needs plenty of protein, especially in the second and third trimesters. Iron helps to carry oxygen to your growing baby, and also carries oxygen to your muscles to help avoid symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, irritability and depression.
The U.S. RDA recommends about 27 mg per day. Lean beef, chicken, lamb, liver, turkey and veal are good options. Fish, and some seafood, can be a good nutritional choice for pregnancy, within guidelines. Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. You should consume at least 3 servings of protein daily.
Dairy Products: At least 1000 mg of calcium is needed daily to support a pregnancy. Calcium is essential for building strong teeth and bones, normal blood clotting, and muscle and nerve function. Since your developing baby requires a considerable amount of calcium, your body will take calcium from your bones, if you do not consume enough through your diet (which can lead to future problems, such as osteoporosis).
Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, cream soups and puddings. Some calcium is also found in green vegetables, seafood, beans and dried peas. You should consume at least 4 servings of dairy products daily.
A Complement to Nutrition
Prenatal Vitamins: Although the main source of vitamins and nutrients needed during pregnancy should come from your diet, a daily prenatal vitamin can help fill small gaps—just in case you unintentionally do not get enough key nutrients. A prenatal vitamin, or any other supplement, can only complement a healthy diet during pregnancy.
Compiled using information from the following sources: Mayo Clinic Pregnancy and nutrition: Healthy-eating basics. – http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20046955
WebMD.com, “Eating Right When Pregnant”- http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/eating-right-when-pregnant