Pregnancy Nutrition

A sound nutritional plan during pregnancy makes sure that both you and your baby get enough of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need. It's easy to practice good eating habits during pregnancy. Nutrition experts advise eating from the five basic food groups every day, drinking plenty of water, and taking a prenatal multivitamin recommended by your doctor or dietitian.

 

Pregnancy Nutrition: An Introduction

During pregnancy, you and your growing baby need more of several nutrients. By eating the recommended number of daily servings from each of the five food groups, you should get most of the nutrients you need.
 

What to Eat for Good Nutrition During Pregnancy

A healthy pregnancy nutrition plan contains a wide variety of foods from the five basic food groups.
 Every day, you should try to consume:
 
  • Whole grains
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Dairy products
  • Proteins
  • Water.
     
Whole Grains
For good nutrition during pregnancy, women should eat six or more servings of bread, cereal, rice, or pasta. One serving of whole grains equals:
 
  • One slice of bread
  • One ounce of ready-to-eat cereal (about 1 cup of most cereals)
  • ½ cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta.
     
If you are physically active, you can eat more servings (up to 11 servings if you are very active).
(Pregnancy Nutrition Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD