A Guide on What to Eat During Pregnancy

While you’re pregnant, you’ll want to eat extra protein, calcium, iron, and essential vitamins. You can get these by eating a wide variety of lean meat, seafood, whole grains, and plant-based foods.

When building your healthy eating plan, you’ll want to focus on whole foods that give you higher amounts of the good stuff you’d need when not pregnant, such as:

protein

vitamins and minerals

healthy types of fat

complex carbohydrates

fiber and fluids

Here are 13 nutritious foods to eat when you’re pregnant to help make sure you’re eating healthily.

1. Dairy products

During pregnancy, you’ll need extra protein and calcium to meet your baby’s needs. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are good choices.

Dairy products contain two types of high-quality protein: casein and whey. Dairy is the best dietary source of calcium. It also provides phosphorus, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.

Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, may be especially beneficial. Some varieties also contain probiotic bacteria, which support digestive health.

If you’re lactose intolerant, you may also be able to tolerate yogurt, especially probiotic yogurt. Check with your doctor to see if you can test it out. A whole world of yogurt smoothies, parfaits, and lassi could be waiting.

2. Legumes

These include lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and peanuts.

Legumes are great plant-based sources of fiber, protein, iron, folate, and calcium — all of which your body needs more of during pregnancy.

Folate is one of the most essential B vitamins (B9). It’s very important for you and your baby, especially during the first trimester, and even before.

You’ll need at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folate every day, which can be a challenge to achieve with foods alone. But legumes can boost your folate levels along with supplementation based on your doctor’s recommendation.

Legumes tend to be high in fiber, and some are also high in iron, magnesium, and potassium. Consider adding legumes to your diet with meals like hummus on whole grain toast, black beans in a taco salad, or a lentil curry.

3. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a plant compound that your body converts to vitamin A.

Vitamin A is essential for a baby’s development. However, too much vitamin A, from animal products — such as organ meats — can cause toxicity.

Sweet potatoes are a good plant-based source of beta-carotene and fiber. Fiber keeps you full longer, reduces blood sugar spikes, and improves digestive health, which can help reduce the risk of pregnancy constipation.

Try sweet potatoes at breakfast time as a base for your morning avocado toast.

4. Salmon

Smoked on a whole wheat bagel, teriyaki grilled, or served with pesto, salmon is a welcome addition to this list. Salmon is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which have a host of benefits.

Omega-3s are present in seafood. They help build the brain and eyes of your baby and may help increase gestational length.

While it’s best to avoid some seafoods during pregnancy, due to mercury and other contaminants, salmon, sardines, and anchovies are safe to eat.

However, it’s worth checking where it was fished from, especially if it was locally caught. It’s also best to opt for fresh salmon, as smoked seafood can carry a risk of listeria.

Here are the high mercury fish to avoid:

swordfish

shark

king mackerel

marlin

bigeye tuna

tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico

5. Eggs

Eggs are a healthy food, as they contain a little of almost every nutrient you need. A large egg contains about 71 calories, 3.6 g of protein, fat, and many vitamins and minerals.

Eggs are a great source of choline, a vital nutrient during pregnancy. It’s important in a baby’s brain development and helps prevent developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine.

A single whole egg contains roughly 147 milligrams (mg) of choline, which will get you closer to the current recommended choline intake of 450 mg per day while pregnant, though more studies are under way to determine if that is enough.

Here are some of the healthiest ways to cook eggs. Try them in spinach feta wraps or a chickpea scramble.

6. Broccoli and dark, leafy greens

Broccoli and dark, green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, have many of the nutrients you’ll need. If you don’t like the flavors, you can disguise them by adding them to soups, pasta sauces, and more.

Benefits include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate, and potassium. Their fiber content can also help prevent constipation.

Vegetables have also been linked to a reduced risk of low birth weight.

Try this kale eggs Florentine recipe or blend some spinach into a green smoothie, and you won’t even know it’s in there.

7. Lean meat and proteins

Lean beef, pork, and chicken are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline, and other B vitamins — all of which you’ll need in higher amounts during pregnancy.

Iron is an essential mineral used by red blood cells as a part of hemoglobin. You’ll need more iron since your blood volume is increasing, and especially during your third trimester.

Low levels of iron during early and mid-pregnancy may cause iron deficiency anemia, which increases the risk of low birth weight and other complications.

It can be hard to cover your iron needs with meals alone, especially if you develop an aversion to meat or follow a plant-based diet. However, for those who can, lean red meat may help increase the amount of iron you’re getting from food.

Pro tip: Pairing foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges or bell peppers, along with iron-rich foods may also help increase iron absorption.

Toss some vitamin C-rich tomato slices on that turkey burger or whip up this steak and mango salad.

8. Berries

Berries provide water, healthy carbs, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They also have a relatively low glycemic index value, so they should not cause significant spikes in blood sugar.

Berries are a great snack, as they contain both water and fiber. They provide a lot of flavor and nutrition but with relatively few calories.

Some of the best berries to eat while pregnant are blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, strawberries, and acai berries. Check out this blueberry smoothie for some inspiration.

9. Whole grains

Unlike their refined counterparts, whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds. Think oats, quinoa, brown rice, wheat berries, and barley instead of white bread, pasta, and white rice.

Some whole grains, like oats and quinoa, also contain a fair amount of protein, as well as B vitamins, fiber, and magnesium.

There are many ways to add whole grains to any meal. Why not try this quinoa and roasted sweet potato bowl?

10. Avocados

Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids. This makes them taste buttery and rich — perfect for adding depth and creaminess to a dish.

They also provide fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins (especially folate), vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

Because of their high content of healthy fats, folate, and potassium, avocados are a great choice during pregnancy.

Healthy fats help build the skin, brain, and tissues of your little one, and folate may help prevent neural tube defects and developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida.

Potassium may help relieve leg cramps, which can affect some people. In fact, avocados contain more potassium than bananas.

Try them as guacamole, in salads, in smoothies, and on whole wheat toast, but also as a substitute for mayo or sour cream.

11. Dried fruit

Dried fruit is generally high in calories, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. One piece of dried fruit contains the same amount of nutrients as fresh fruit, just without all the water and in a much smaller form.

One serving of dried fruit can boost your intake of many vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and potassium.

Prunes are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. They’re natural laxatives and may be very helpful in relieving constipation. Dates are high in fiber, potassium, iron, and plant compounds.

However, dried fruit also contains high amounts of natural sugar, and the candied varieties contain added sugar.

Try adding a small portion to a trail mix with nuts and seeds for an on-the-go protein- and fiber-filled snack.

12. Fish liver oil

Fish liver oil is made from the oily liver of fish, usually from cod. It’s rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are essential for fetal brain and eye development.

Supplementing with fish oil may help protect against preterm delivery and may benefit fetal eye development.

Fish liver oil is also very high in vitamin D, which many people lack. It may be beneficial if you don’t regularly eat seafood or if you don’t already supplement with omega-3 or vitamin D.

A tablespoon (4.5 grams) of fish liver oil provides 11 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D, or around three-quarters of a person’s daily needs, and 1,350 mcg of vitamin A, around 150% of a person’s daily needs.

Speak with a doctor before using fish liver oil or other omega-3 supplements, as too much vitamin A or D can be dangerous. High levels of omega-3 may also have blood-thinning effects.

Low-mercury fish like salmon, sardines, canned light tuna, or pollock can also help boost omega-3 levels.

13. Water

Hydration is essential for everyone, but especially during pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 45%.

You need plenty of water to stop both you and your baby becoming dehydrated.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include headaches, anxiety, tiredness, bad mood, and reduced memory.

Increasing your water intake may also help relieve constipation and reduce your risk of urinary tract infections, which are common during pregnancy.

The American College of Gynecologists recommends drinking 8–12 cups (64–96 ounces) of water per day during pregnancy. But the amount you really need varies. Ask your doctor for a recommendation based on your specific needs.

Keep in mind that you also get water from other foods and beverages, such as fruit, vegetables, coffee, and tea.

Pro tip: Try keeping a reusable water bottle on hand so that you can quench your thirst throughout the day.

What to eat during pregnancy if you:

are vegan

have gestational diabetes

need to lose weight

Frequently asked questions

What foods should you eat daily during pregnancy?

You’ll need a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables, such as kale. Make sure you get enough lean proteins, including oily fish and low-fat yogurt. If you’re on a plant-based diet, opt for tofu, lentils, nuts, and other plant-based protein-rich foods. Plus, don’t forget to drink plenty of water.

What foods should you avoid during pregnancy?

Foods to avoid during pregnancy are those that may contain bacteria, such as listeria, E. coli or Salmonella.

Examples include:

meat, fish, or eggs that are raw or not thoroughly cooked

fish that may contain mercury or other metals, such as king mackerel or swordfish

raw alfalfa, mung bean, and other sprouts

raw or unpasteurized milk, juice, or cider

soft cheeses and pates

reheated hot dogs and luncheon meat

raw dough

untreated water

It’s also best to opt for fresh and varied foods without added sugar and unhealthy fats and to limit your intake of processed foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise people not to consume alcohol during pregnancy, as it may be unsafe for your unborn child.

What can vegetarians and vegans eat during pregnancy?

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you need to make sure you’re getting the right amounts of nutrients commonly found in animal products. These include:

protein

iron

vitamin B12

vitamin D

calcium

iodine

Foods that can provide these include tofu, legumes, dark green vegetables, fortified foods, seeds, whole grains, dried fruit, unsweetened soy drinks, and yeast flakes.

The takeaway

During pregnancy, you and your growing baby need nutrient-dense foods from a well-rounded eating plan of whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Ask your healthcare team for recommendations and keep them informed of your eating choices. Let them guide you on a plan with any necessary supplements.

This list should be a good start towards a healthy, well-nourished pregnancy.

Quick tips for foods to eat when pregnant

Dairy products, especially yogurt, can help you meet increased protein and calcium needs.

Legumes provide folate, fiber, and many other nutrients. Folate is a very important nutrient during pregnancy.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which your body transforms into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for the growth and differentiation of cells in your growing baby.

Salmon contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are important for brain and eye development in your growing baby. It’s also a natural source of vitamin D.

Whole eggs are nutritious and a great way to increase your overall nutrient intake. They also contain choline, an essential nutrient for brain health and development.

Broccoli and leafy greens contain most of the nutrients that you’ll need. They’re also rich in fiber, which may help prevent or treat constipation.

Lean meat is a good source of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline, and B vitamins, all of which are important nutrients during pregnancy.

Berries contain water, carbs, vitamin C, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and plant compounds. They may help you increase your nutrient and water intake.

Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds. They’re also rich in B vitamins, fiber, and magnesium.

Avocados contain high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, folate, and potassium. They may help relieve leg cramps, too.

Dried fruits are nutrient-dense, but limit your portions and avoid candied varieties to prevent excess sugar intake.

Drinking water is important as your blood volume increases during pregnancy. Adequate hydration may also help prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.

Posted : 2024-08-26 16:59

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.