What Nutrients Might a Pregnant Woman Need More Than a Non-Pregnant Woman?

Increased Nutrient Needs for Pregnant Women  Calcium  Folic Acid  Calories  Iron  Protein  Vitamin D  Carbohydrate  Fiber  Vitamins and Minerals

Nutritional Changes for Pregnant Women  A pregnant woman needs about 300 calories a day more than she did pre-pregnancy to support the rapid growth of the fetus and her changing body.  The expectant mother will need increased amounts of protein (75 grams/day or 25 more than non- pregnant women).  Good sources of protein are lean meats, poultry, fish, dried beans, lentils, nuts, eggs, and cheese, which provide protein and also supply other nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and trace minerals.

Calcium Recommendations for Pregnant Women  The calcium recommendation during pregnancy is 1,000 mg/day for women ages and 1,300 for teens.  Women who are not pregnant usually only consume 75% of the daily requirement.  Therefore, most pregnant women need to add calcium-rich foods to their diets.  Milk, yogurt, ice milk, frozen yogurt, green leafy vegetables, and calcium-fortified foods such as orange juice, soy milk, bread, and breakfast cereal are good sources of calcium.  Calcium supplements are advised for women who do not meet their calcium needs through food alone.  Because vitamin D is important in the absorption and utilization of calcium, vitamin D intake should also be monitored.

Pregnant Women – Nutrition Needs  Additional iron is needed because of the increased amount of blood volume during pregnancy (27 mg/day – 9 more grams than pre- pregnancy).  Enriched whole grain breads, cereals, green leafy vegetables, legumes, eggs, and dried fruits provide iron.

Folic Acid for Pregnant Women  Folic acid plays a vital role in cell development and in the formation of certain major structures of the fetus.  Because of its importance, all women of childbearing age need adequate intake of folic acid.  Research suggests that taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) in infants.

Folic Acid for Pregnant Women  The March of Dimes recommends that all women who can become pregnant consume a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. (Most women do not consume adequate amounts in their diets).  Good sources of folate include green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits and juices, peanuts, and some fortified breakfast cereals.