Healthy Diet During Pregnancy: Foods, Meal Plans & Nutritional Needs

Facts you should know about pregnancy diet plans

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Incredibly, women only require an extra 300 calories per day during pregnancy.

A healthy diet during pregnancy ensures optimal health for both the mother and fetus.
Women need only 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy.
A healthy pregnancy diet should focus on unprocessed foods that come mostly from plant-sources. A healthy pregnancy diet also can include some animal products.
The diet during pregnancy should include extra calcium, iron, folate, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D.
During pregnancy, avoid these foods
- unpasteurized cheese and meat,
- alcohol,
- caffeine,
- high-mercury fish, and
- artificial sweeteners.
During pregnancy, an ideal dinner plate should be
- ½ veggies,
- ¼ protein like beans,
- ¼ whole grain carbs like quinoa, and
- topped with about 2 tablespoons of healthy fats like olive oil.

Is there a pre-pregnancy diet plan?

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Women who are planning in advance to become pregnant have a great opportunity to focus on a healthy diet and get into optimum health before conceiving.
Many women are encouraged to consider the 3 months before conception as a
"pre-mester" or a trimester of pregnancy before conception. Not only does following healthy pregnancy diet
plan guideline help a woman get into optimal health, it may help her conceive more easily. The father-to-be
also is encouraged to follow a pre-pregnancy diet because it may help the
mother-to-be stick to a healthy pregnancy eating plan.

What is a healthy pregnancy diet plan?

Myths of pregnancy such as 'you need to eat twice as much because you're eating for two' or that indulging your cravings will give your baby birthmarks are outdated and inaccurate. From a scientific perspective,
there are increased nutrient demands during pregnancy, but the wisdom of the body also tells us pregnancy is a time to focus on nourishment. It is a time for the mother-to-be to focus on being as healthy as she can because that care will translate to her baby in utero.
Also, establishing healthy habits now will set a positive example that will benefit the child over
his or her lifetime.

The increased caloric needs during pregnancy are minimal; about 300 extra calories are needed each day. This is equivalent to three-quarters of a blueberry muffin or 2 apples or 2 ounces of
chocolate milk.
There also are a number of micronutrients or
vitamins that are needed in increased amounts. The increased requirements are not
solely due to the growth of the fetus. The changes in
the mother's
metabolism also contribute to the increased nutritional needs. The goal of healthy eating during pregnancy is to maximize micronutrient density. In other worlds, make sure you are getting maximum
nutrition out of every bite, and that you avoid "empty" calories.
It's also important to know what foods, drinks, medications, and
other toxins to avoid, for example, foods that have a higher risk of food-borne illness and foods that are toxic to a developing fetus such as alcohol, mercury-containing fish, and trans
fats^1.
For many women, taking a
prenatal multivitamin can be "insurance" against
days when they aren't able to eat much (for example, to make up for lack of
nutrition due to morning sickness, or not sticking to a healthy diet one
day); however, it is important to remember that
supplements
supplement the
diet; they aren't replacements for healthy eating.

What foods are part of a pregnancy diet menu plan?

A well-balanced, micronutrient dense diet is the key to a healthy pregnancy. Ideally, women should start eating this way before conception, but making healthier choices at any time will always help.

A well-balanced diet should contain:

carbohydrates from whole grain sources and fruits and vegetables;
protein from beans, nuts, seeds and hormone-free animal products like meat and dairy; and
healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, and the fats that occur in nuts, seeds, and fish.

Pregnant women need more iron, folic acid, calcium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D, and higher amounts of most other nutrients, than nonpregnant women. The US Recommended Daily Allowance² sets the level of nutrient intake that is estimated to meet the nutritional needs of 97.5% of pregnant women. Malnutrition increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby or going into preterm labor. Pregnant women need the following daily:

600mcg of folic acid
27 mg of iron
1000mg of calcium
11mg of zinc
220 mcg of iodine
600 IU vitamin D

In general, women will get high levels of these nutrients by choosing a diverse, colorful diet that focuses primarily (but not entirely) on plant-based foods.

What Are Pregnancy Superfoods (Power Foods)?

Superfoods or power foods are foods that have extra benefits beyond their nutritional content. Examples of power foods are:

Pumpkin seeds
Blackstrap molasses
Almond butter
Figs
Sardines
Oatmeal

Click for more pregnancy superfoods »

How much weight is OK to gain during pregnancy?

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Pregnant women only need about 300 extra calories per day. While every woman is going to be different, research shows that for a normal weight woman (BMI 18.5 – 25), the optimal pregnancy total weight gain is about 25-35 pounds⁷. Larger women will gain less and smaller women gain more. All women should decrease their focus on weight and focus on the quality of their diet, ensuring good nutrition.

BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight) – typically gain 28 to 40 lbs.
BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 (optimal weight) – typically gain 25 to 35 lbs.
BMI 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 (overweight) – typically gain 15 to 25 lbs.
BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 (obese) – typically gain 11 to 20 lbs.

During the first and second trimesters, weight gain manifests as an increase in maternal fat stores, plus a 60% increase in blood volume. Later in pregnancy, more of the weight gain is due to the fetal growth, amniotic fluid, breast development, and placenta. Overweight women sometimes even experience weight loss during the first trimester
and slowly gain a small amount over the second and third trimesters. There is no
minimum amount of weight an overweight woman needs to gain as long as she is eating micronutrient dense foods and fetal growth is on track.

Is it OK to diet during pregnancy?

Regardless of the weight of the woman when she becomes pregnant, it isn't a good idea to diet during pregnancy. Research from famines during
World War II in Europe have taught us about the epigenetic implications of restriction during pregnancy. Epigenetics describes the impact of the prenatal environment on the genetic programming of the child that stays with them for life. In fact, the prenatal environment has an impact on the developing ovaries and eggs in the female fetus, having an impact on the next generation too! A mother's nutritional choices during pregnancy can affect her grandchildren!

During the famines in World War II, pregnant Dutch women lived on less than 900 calories a day for a winter and their metabolism became very efficient at storing energy. When the war ended and food supplies
returned to normal, and the babies were born, the women and their babies had normal
calorie intake. However, those babies were far more likely to go on to become obese or develop diabetes because their genes were influenced
during the time of scarcity. In the same way, dieting during pregnancy can have unintentionally metabolic consequences on the genetic programming of the infant that will stay with them for life.

While dieting (restricting calories) during pregnancy is discouraged, eating a healthier diet by removing extra sugar and processed foods is an excellent idea. This is the type of "diet" I put all my patients on. The focus should be on high quality nutrition, optimizing micronutrient intake, and minimizing empty calories.

Low carb diet menu plans during pregnancy

Low carbohydrate diets can be healthy during pregnancy, as they are for any life phase, but the devil is in the details, as they say. More precise
than simply a low carb diet, glycemic load diet is beneficial during pregnancy (and throughout life). Glycemic load is a term that measures how quickly a carbohydrate is digested and turned into blood sugar. Carbohydrates with lots of fiber, or combined with fat or protein have lower glycemic loads and raise blood sugar slowly, providing steady energy and preventing a spike in blood sugar and the subsequent low blood sugar drop. How do you follow a low glycemic load diet?

Choose carbohydrates in their unrefined (less processed) form:

Fruits
Vegetables
Brown rice
Quinoa
Beans
Lentils

An easy way to do this is to stay away from "white" foods:

White sugar
White flour
White rice
White bread
White potato, etc.

White foods are also low in micronutrients. Stay away from processed carbs such as:

Flour
Cookies
Cake
Chips
Candy
Juice or fruit cocktail beverages
Sugar
Breads
Pastas
Soda
Pastries

Dr. Brewer Pregnancy Diet

Dr. Brewer Pregnancy Diet is a diet plan that was popular in the 1980s. While it is a little
outdated, the basics are still relevant and credible. Dr. Brewer calls for
frequent snacks and pays close attention to salt, calories, and protein. The
recommendations include getting daily servings from major groups of healthy
foods, like calcium or iron containing foods.

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Pregnancy Diet (Menu Plans)
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Holistic diet menu plan during pregnancy

Healthy breakfast options may include:

Fresh fruit and unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein and lower in fat that regular yogurt) with herbal tea or oatmeal (steel-cut or low-sugar) with walnuts and
berries
An omelet made with 2 hormone-free eggs, spinach, and tomato.

Healthy lunch options may include:

Salads with added protein like garbanzo beans smoked salmon, diced
chicken) or vegetable-based soups
Bean and veggie tortilla wraps (as long as they don't have too much
cheese)
Vegetable based soups

Dinners should have half the plate filled with

Vegetables
A quarter with protein (beans, lentils, lean meat or fish)
A quarter with unrefined carbohydrates (brown rice, quinoa, sweet
potato)
Add about 1 tablespoon of added healthy fats such as olive oil, chopped
nuts or seeds, or hormone free butter to the dish.

Healthy snacks may include:

Fruit
Nuts
Vegetable juices
Protein shakes
Celery
Peanut butter
Hummus and carrots
Whole grain crackers with hormone-free pasteurized cheese

Other important micronutrients during pregnancy are omega-3 fatty acids, DHA specifically, and probiotics. DHA is necessary for healthy development of brain and nervous system and may have beneficial effects on the cognitive development of the child.

Probiotics, when taken by the mother during pregnancy
reduce allergy and atopic disease in children,
according to some research studies. ³

Pregnancy superfoods may be included in a holistic pregnancy diet to ensure that optimal amounts of nutrients are enjoyed from food.

Vegetarian and vegan diet menu plans during pregnancy

Pregnant women can absolutely follow
vegan or vegetarian diets during pregnancy. In fact, doing so may help them avoid some of the added hormones that are common in non-organic animal products. However, there are some nutrients that are commonly deficient in vegetarian diets. Pregnant women who are vegan or vegetarian should be extra careful to ensure they are getting enough calcium, iron, and B-12. Protein intake needs to be monitored too.

Vegetarian protein sources include:

Beans
Lentils
Nuts and nut butters
Seeds
Quinoa
Peas
Hemp milk/almond milk/soy
milk
Hormone-free unsweetened yogurt
Hormone-free cheese
Hormone-free eggs

These last three are not part of a vegan
pregnancy diet, but are appropriate for a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet.

B-12 is needed for proper DNA expression in the growing embryo and fetus. Deficiencies cause anemia and are associated with low birth weight, pre-term delivery, preeclampsia, and neural tube defects⁸. Pregnant women need 30mcg a day
according to the Recommended Daily Allowance, and the sources are all animal-based.
Vegan women may want to ensure they get enough by taking a methylcobalamin supplement. Other B vitamins, specifically folate and B6, are important in pregnancy. A good-quality prenatal multi or B complex will provide these nutrients.

Protein needs during pregnancy

Protein requirements in pregnancy are increased by 50%. On average, a pregnant woman needs about 70 grams of protein per day. Protein will not only ensure good growth of the baby, it will help keep the mother's blood sugar stable and may help reduce morning sickness. Research studies have shown better birth outcomes (fewer underweight or early babies) when a mother's daily diet is at least 25% protein. Most people think of meat when they think about protein, but there are many excellent vegetarian sources. A vegan or vegetarian pregnancy diet can easily get enough protein from bean, nut, and grain sources. Additionally, relying only meat sources can increase your intake of saturated fat and other components of meat that are wise to limit in the diet. Here are some examples of good sources of healthy proteins.

1 egg, 6g
1 c Greek yogurt, 14g
11 c edamame, 29g
2T hummus, 9g
2T almond butter, 8g
1c cooked spinach, 5g
3.5oz chicken breast, 30g
3.5 oz. fish, 22g
1 scoop protein powder, 14g
1 c beans, 18g
1 oz. nuts, 6g
1 c cooked quinoa, 8g

Iron needs during pregnancy

Iron is a common deficiency during pregnancy. Iron is an essential mineral needed to transport oxygen to tissues. It is also necessary for DNA repair and mitochondrial energy production. Insufficient iron can cause anemia and symptoms of:

fatigue,
pallor,
hair loss,
poor exercise tolerance,
restless legs, and
poor cognitive development in children.

Anemia has been linked to pre-term births, low birth weight, and even autism and increased maternal mortality¹⁰. Thus, it's really important to get enough iron during pregnancy. The RDA for iron is 27mg during pregnancy; your obstetrician
or midwife may recommend 40mg per day to correct a deficiency. Cooking in cast-iron skillets can also increase iron intake – you can add 5mg of additional iron for each per saucy, vitamin C-rich dish you cook in cast iron.

These are some good food sources of iron:

3 oz. canned clams, 24mg
1 packet instant oatmeal, 11mg
1 oz. Floradix or other liquid herbal iron, 10mg
1 oz. pumpkin seeds, 4.5mg
½ c lentils, 3.5mg
1 cup spinach, 6mg
½ c chickpeas/garbanzos, 2.5mg
3 oz. duck, lamb, turkey or other DARK meat, 2.5mg
1 Tbsp. blackstrap molasses, 3.5mg

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Folate needs during pregnancy

Folate occurs naturally in vegetables and whole grains but it is lost in the processing of refined grains. Folate deficiency increases the risk of congenital anomalies, most notably neural tube defects such as spina bifida. For this reason, it's one of the most serious nutritional deficiencies in pregnancy. Unfortunately, the critical time for neural tube development occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she's pregnant and thus when she is less likely to be taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid or getting enough in the diet. Because of this, fortification of grain products (adding back in what was lost in processing) was mandated in 1998, and the prevalence of neural tube defects has dropped dramatically. Unfortunately, these foods are fortified with synthetic folic acid, not folate, and a very common genetic variant of the MTHFR gene (that codes for an enzyme important in processing of amino acids), makes it difficult for people to convert folic acid to useable folate and pregnant women with this variant are at particular risk. Researchers have suggested it would be much better to supplement pregnant women, and enrich food, with the active form methyltetrahydrofolate, rather than folic acid¹¹. Fortunately, pregnant women can get the necessary 600mcg of active, natural form folate from these dietary sources:

1 cup of black-eyed peas, 356mcg
1 cup lentils, 358mcg
1 cup asparagus, 268mcg
1 cup cubed avocado, 122mcg
3 oz. romaine lettuce, 116mcg
1 c broccoli, 55mcg
1c beets, 135mcg
1c papaya, 116mcg

Calcium needs during pregnancy

Calcium is critical for developing bones. It also reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertension. Women who get enough calcium during pregnancy have a 35% lower risk of high blood pressure and a 55% lower risk of preeclampsia. If the mother isn't getting enough additional calcium in the diet, the fetus will still get enough, but it will come from the reserves in
the mother's bones. The mother's ability to absorb calcium is greatly increased during pregnancy. This is why the RDA for calcium doesn't increase during pregnancy. However, most adult women don't get enough calcium in the first place.

When
we think about calcium, most people think about milk, but there are numerous non-dairy sources of calcium. Women who are lactose intolerant can choose non-dairy sources. Pregnant women need 1000mg of calcium per day⁹. This can be reached with a few servings per day from the food list below. The minerals in vegetables sources, like spinach, can be
made more available by cooking them with an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice. Try sautéing kale with apple cider vinegar and walnuts.

8 oz. skim milk, 300mg
8 oz. soy milk, 368mg
8 oz. Greek yogurt, 452mg
8 oz. regular yogurt, 415mg
1 cup collards, 356mg
1 cup spinach, 230mg
1 cup kale, 122mg
8 oz. juice with calcium, 300mg
1 packet oatmeal, ~110mg
½ c edamame (soy), 130mg
½ c white beans, 113mg
3 oz. canned sardines, 325mg
3oz. canned salmon, 181mg

Iodine needs during pregnancy

Iodine needs increase by almost 50% during pregnancy. Iodine is used for thyroid hormone function and for the developing nervous system of the fetus. Women who have iodine deficiency, or are hypothyroid for other reasons, are at risk of slowing the brain development of their baby. Pregnant women need 220mcg of iodine and the American Thyroid Association suggests pregnant women supplement with 150mcg of iodine daily^12. Seaweed and seafood are the major source of iodine, but because of the need to limit mercury exposure in pregnancy, relying on seafood may not be wise.

¼ c kelp, 415mcg
2 oz. cranberries, 200mcg
1 c low-fat yogurt, 87mcg
1 baked potato with peel, 80mcg
3 oz. shrimp, 35mcg
1 whole egg, 24mcg

Zinc
needs during pregnancy

Research suggests that 82% of pregnant women are deficient in zinc, which makes it one of the most important nutrients to pay attention to during pregnancy¹². In addition to the negative outcomes of low birth weight, early delivery, and preeclampsia that result from deficiency, zinc is important for the immune system of the mother and baby. Iron competes with zinc for absorption, so women who are supplementing with extra iron also need to make sure they are getting extra zinc. Some food sources are:

4 oz. mushrooms, 11mg
4 oz. beef or lamb, 6mg
¼ c sesame or pumpkin seeds, 3mg
1 cup green peas, 2 mg
3 oz.
shellfish (mussels, clams, oysters), 75 mg

Vitamin D needs and pregnancy

Pregnant women need 600 IU of vitamin D according to the USDA RDA guidelines; however, many experts believe this estimate is far too low. Humans synthesize vitamin D from sun exposure and there are very few food sources. Additionally, factors such as skin pigmentation, obesity, and sunscreen usage impact the ability to make vitamin D from sunlight. In clinical practice, I measure patients' blood levels of vitamin D and find that many are deficient even if they are taking a 2000mcg vitamin D3 supplement every day. Pregnant women who are concerned about vitamin D can consult a midwife, naturopathic midwife, or obstetrician who is willing to test their vitamin D levels so they know how much they need. Here are a few food sources:

4 oz. salmon, 411 IU
3 oz. canned sardines, 231 IU
8 oz. fortified soy milk, 100 IU
8 oz. fortified cow milk, 98 IU
1 egg, 23 IU
1 cup mushrooms, 114 IU

Are supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications safe to take
during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should take a good quality prenatal multivitamin that includes
natural folate/methylfolate and iron. Most pregnant women may need supplemental vitamin D based on blood tests. Supplements should remain supplemental to a healthy diet and if the diet includes fruits and vegetables at every meal, most nutritional needs should be met.
Some supplements and herbs can also be useful to manage some of the
symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness.
Ginger and vitamin B6 both have been studied and found helpful for
nausea in some women¹⁴^,15. While commonly used, some over the counter medications that have been recommended for
nausea, like
antihistamines, actually make it worse for some people¹⁶.
Magnesium is helpful for
constipation, and may reduce the risks of developing pre-eclampsia and other poor birth outcomes¹⁷.
Herbals teas such as raspberry leaf,
lemon balm, and chamomile have been traditionally used during pregnancy and are safe to consume, although mint can exacerbate
heartburn, so use with care. Women should discuss all of the medications, supplements, and herbs with their midwife or obstetrician.

What foods and exercise help morning sickness and heartburn symptoms?

While bland carbohydrates are commonly recommended for morning sickness and heartburn, studies have actually shown that protein helps more.
Eat a low glycemic-load, healthy pregnancy diet to minimize the risks of feeling poorly.
Eat regularly to keep blood sugars stable to minimize nausea.
Make sure to consume enough water to stay hydrated and to keep bowels moving regularly.
Exercise should be regular and not more vigorous that what the woman was used to before pregnancy.
Long walks, prenatal yoga classes, and stretching are all excellent options for exercise while pregnant.
Research has shown that all types of physical activity are safe in pregnancy except scuba diving, and extra care should be taken to avoid falling.
Other healthy habits to help troublesome pregnancy symptoms include getting outside for fresh air, and ensuring good sleep also make a difference for both the pregnant woman and her baby.

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What about a post-pregnancy diet?

After delivery, the best diet is one that meets the nutritional needs of breastfeeding and helps the mother gradually return to her pre-pregnancy weight.
Breastfeeding requires about 500 calories per day, so many women lose excess weight quickly. The nutritional needs of breast feeding require extra calcium and protein.
Women also should be prepared for irregular meal patterns as they may be sleeping and awake at odd hours over the first few months as the baby's needs for nursing and sleeping evolve.
New mothers shouldn't be focused on weight loss through calorie restriction while breastfeeding. Instead, they should continue the nutrient-dense diet recommended during pregnancy, and focus on increasing physical activity to accelerate a return to pre-pregnancy weight.

What foods, drinks, or medications should be avoided during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should stay away from several categories of unsafe foods:

ones that have a higher likelihood of being contaminated with bacteria,
ones that are toxic to the fetus, and
ones that simply add calories without adding nutrition.

Bacteria

Common bacteria pose a greater risk to pregnant women and their fetus, so extra precautions should be followed.

Listeria, salmonella and toxoplasmosis are examples of bacterial infections that should be prevented in pregnancy. These infections can increase the risk of miscarriage, damage to fetal brain development and other organs. Infections also put the mother at risk with symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, and fever. To minimize risk, make sure meats are fully cooked and stay away from raw or undercooked meat and seafood. No sushi during pregnancy! Deli meats, meat spreads, and smoked lox are also questionable and should be heated to steaming hot in order to kill any bacteria.
Dairy products can also be a source of bacterial contamination. This is why pregnant women are encouraged to stay away from soft unpasteurized cheeses. The important part to remember is that pasteurizing (flash heating) foods kills bacteria; for example, pasteurized Brie would be fine.
Vegetables and fruit aren't immune to bacterial contamination that occurs during the harvesting or preparation process. Toxoplasma is present in the soil and can contaminate vegetables. Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Washing them with a water and white vinegar mixture can be more effective than a pure water wash.

Alcohol

Alcohol, in any amount, should be avoided. There is no known safe amount of intake, and drinking alcohol puts the fetus at risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and associated developmental problems.

Caffeine

Caffeine, whether from coffee, soda, or tea, has been associated with decreased birth weight⁴.

Seafood

Some fish, such as tuna, are high in mercury and should be avoided. Mercury is neurotoxic and can impede fetal brain development. Pregnant women should avoid fish that are potentially high in mercury. Some fish are known to be low in mercury (for example, salmon and sardines). In general, long-lived fish, high on the food chain will contain higher mercury levels. A guide to selecting safe fish can be found at Natural Resources Defense Council's Sustainable Seafood Guide.⁵

Other consumables to avoid during pregnancy

Man-made food additives

Some of the man-made food additives are known to cause problems and should be avoided. For example, trans fats cross the maternal/fetal barrier, and are absorbed by fetus and may cause adverse effects on cellular membrane structure.⁶ Although limited research is available to quantify the risks of artificial sweeteners in pregnancy, they are able to cross the placenta into the fetal circulation and are typically found in nutrient-poor, processed foods that should be limited regardless.

Drugs (illicit, OTC, and prescription)

Illicit drugs, some over-the-counter (OTC), and many prescription drugs should also be avoided. If you are having trouble stopping taking illicit drugs or alcohol during pregnancy, talk to your midwife or obstetrician to get help specifically for pregnant women right away. There is help.

Medications, either OTC or prescription, can be harmful to the fetus; double check with your health-care professional or look up the "Pregnancy Class" of the medication before taking it.

In summary, avoid these foods or products:

Uncooked/undercooked animal products (like sushi and rare meat), including eggs
Unpasteurized dairy products (like soft cheeses)
Tuna, lake fish, and other high mercury fish
Alcohol
Caffeine (in coffee, tea, or soda)
Trans fats (anything labeled hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated)
Artificial sweeteners
Certain drugs