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

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

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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.

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Calcium Recommendations for Pregnant Women The calcium recommendation during pregnancy is 1,000 mg/day for women ages 19-50 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.