Eating for Two - Nutrition During Pregnancy

Pregnant women who are vegetarian can still enjoy a carefully planned vegetarian diet. There are many health benefits to vegetarian diets, but women who are pregnant need to take extra care to get enough of the nutrients more easily supplied in a non-vegetarian diet.

If you are pregnant you should choose a variety of foods daily, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods and protein foods such as milk products, and meat and alternatives.

During pregnancy, your basal metabolic rate (BMR, or the number of calories you use each day) will increase, and you’ll need more calories to support the extra work needed for fetal development.

Consult your doctor or dietitian – you might need to take a vitamin supplement during pregnancy.

Pregnant women should avoid certain foods and substances during pregnancy.

You can protect your health and your growing baby with a healthy diet.