Prenatal Diet - Pro Life Ribbon

If you just found out you are pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions on providing the best nutrition for your baby and yourself.

According to Stanford’s Children’s Health Hospital, you will need approximately 300 additional calories above what you typically consume. While it can be tempting to add those calories by way of sugar and other comfort foods, it’s important that you eat a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet. If you are having multiples, the caloric intake and nutrient requirements will be higher. Consult your physician about what exactly you should be eating.

Key Vitamins and Minerals

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology lists the following key vitamins and minerals during pregnancy:

Calcium, for strong bones and teeth
Iron, to help deliver oxygen to your baby
Iodine, for healthy brain development
Choline, for brain and spinal cord development
Vitamin A, for healthy skin and eye development
Vitamin C, for healthy gums, teeth, and bones
Vitamin D, for strong bones and teeth, and healthy skin and eyesight
Vitamin B6, for formation of red blood cells
Vitamin B12, for maintaining the nervous system, formation of red blood cells
Folic Acid, to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine

The Mayo Clinic has an in-depth section on pregnancy diet and where to focus your intake to get these key nutrients. They also recommend prenatal vitamins as a supplement, but not replacement for these vitamins and minerals. Talk to your doctor about which prenatal vitamin they recommend you take.

Johns Hopkins Hospital recommends the following foods for a balanced prenatal diet: