Nutrition for Pregnancy

Why does nutrition matter?
Well-nourished women have healthier pregnancies, and give birth to healthier babies, who will grow into healthier adults. Plus, developing good habits now and sticking to them can improve your health for a longer, more disease-free life. On the other hand, very poor nutrition in pregnancy is associated with birth defects, increased miscarriages, increased still birth, and an increase in low birth weight babies, who may be at higher risk for life-long health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Part 1: Overall Guidelines. Don’t feel like you have to be perfect all the time, just do the best...more >> 

Part 2: Food Pyramid Calculated based on second trimester calorie needs of 2600 calories per day for an “average” first time mom, who is ...more >>

Part 3: Fats, Carbs, Protein, Fluids Division of Calories: Over the course, of a day, you should get 20 - 30% of your calories from fat, 45 – 70% from carbohydrates, and ...more >>

Part 4: Weight Gain Suggestions for weight gain are basic guidelines. Many women gain more or less than recommended amounts, and they and their babies do fine. However, there are some...more >>

Part 5: Food Safety and Things to Avoid Keep things clean: wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, before and after handling food. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and ...more >>

Part 6: Special Topics Pre-conception, Morning Sickness, High Blood Pressure, Low Income Resources. ...more >>

Part 7: Sources Web recommendations, scholarly recommendations, dietary reference... more >>