Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is very important.
During this time, your body needs additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals
In fact, you need 350–500 extra calories each day during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
A diet that lacks key nutrients may negatively affect the baby’s development
Poor eating habits and excess weight gain may also increase the risk of gestational diabetes and pregnancy or birth complications
Put simply, choosing healthy, nutritious foods will help ensure the health of you and your baby.
It will also make it a lot easier to lose the pregnancy weight after you’ve given birth.
Here are 13 highly nutritious foods to eat when you’re pregnant.
1. Dairy Products
During pregnancy, you need to consume extra protein and calcium to meet the needs of the growing fetus
Dairy products contain two types of high quality protein: casein and whey. Dairy is the best dietary source of calcium, and provides high amounts of phosphorus,
various B-vitamins, magnesium and zinc.
Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is particularly beneficial for pregnant women
It contains more calcium than any other dairy product. Some varieties also contain probiotic bacteria, which support digestive health
People who are lactose intolerant may also be able to tolerate yogurt, especially probiotic yogurt
Taking probiotics during pregnancy may reduce the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, vaginal infections and allergies
Bottom Line: Dairy products, especially yogurt, are a great choice for pregnant women. Dairy products help meet increased protein and calcium needs. Probiotics may also help reduce the risk of complications.
2. Legumes
This group of food includes lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans and peanuts.
Legumes are excellent plant-based sources of fiber, protein, iron, folate (B9) and calcium, all of which the body needs more of during pregnancy.
Folate is one of the B-vitamins (B9). It is very important for the health of the mother and fetus, especially during the first trimester.
However, most pregnant women are not consuming nearly enough folate
This has been linked with an increased risk of neural tube defects and low birth weight. Insufficient folate intake may also cause the child to be more prone to infections and disease later in life
Legumes contain high amounts of folate. One cup of lentils, chickpeas or black beans may provide from 65–90% of the RDA
Furthermore, legumes are generally very high in fiber. Some varieties are also high in iron, magnesium and potassium.
Bottom Line: Legumes are great sources of folate, fiber and many other nutrients. Folate is a very important nutrient during pregnancy, and may reduce the risk of some birth defects and diseases.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are very rich in beta-carotene, a plant compound that is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin A is essential for growth, as well as for the differentiation of most cells and tissues. It is very important for healthy fetal development
Pregnant women are generally advised to increase their vitamin A intake by 10–40%
However, they are also advised to avoid very high amounts of animal-based sources of vitamin A, which may cause toxicity when eaten in excess
Therefore, beta-carotene is a very important source of vitamin A for pregnant women.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene. About 100–150 grams (3.5–5.3 oz) of cooked sweet potatoes fulfills the entire RDI
Furthermore, sweet potatoes contain fiber, which may increase fullness, reduce blood sugar spikes and improve digestive health and mobility
Bottom Line: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for the growth and differentiation of cells in the growing fetus.
4. Salmon
Salmon is very rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Most people, including pregnant women, are not getting nearly enough omega-3 from their diet
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential during pregnancy, especially the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.
These are found in high amounts in seafood, and help build the brain and eyes of the fetus
Yet pregnant women are generally advised to limit their seafood intake to twice a week (<340 g per week), due to the mercury and other contaminants found in fatty fish
This has caused some women to avoid seafood altogether, thus limiting the intake of essential omega-3 fatty acids.
However, studies have shown that pregnant women who eat 2–3 meals of fatty fish per week achieve the recommended intake of omega-3 and increase their blood levels of EPA and DHA
Salmon is also one of very few natural sources of vitamin D, which is often lacking in the diet. It is very important for many processes in the body, including bone health and immune function
Bottom Line: Salmon contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are important for brain and eye development in the growing baby. Salmon is also a natural source of vitamin D.
5. Eggs
Eggs are the ultimate health food, because they contain a little bit of almost every nutrient you need.
A large egg contains 77 calories, as well as high-quality protein and fat. It also contains many vitamins and minerals.
Eggs are a great source of choline. Choline is essential for many processes in the body, including brain development and health
A dietary survey in the US showed that over 90% of people consumed less than the recommended amount of choline
Low choline intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of neural tube defects and possibly lead to decreased brain function
A single whole egg contains roughly 113 mg of choline, which is about 25% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women (450 mg)
Bottom Line: Whole eggs are incredibly nutritious and a great way to increase overall nutrient intake. They also contain choline, an essential nutrient for brain health and development.
6. Broccoli and Dark, Leafy Greens
Broccoli and dark, green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, contain many of the nutrients that pregnant women need.
Smiling Pregnant Woman Holding Veggies in Bowl
These include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate and potassium.
Furthermore, broccoli and leafy greens are rich in antioxidants. They also contain plant compounds that benefit the immune system and digestion
Due to their high fiber content, these vegetables may also help prevent constipation. This is a very common problem among pregnant women
Consuming green, leafy vegetables has also been linked with a reduced risk of low birth weight
Bottom Line: Broccoli and leafy greens contain most of the nutrients that pregnant women need. They are also rich in fiber, which may help prevent or treat constipation.
7. Lean Meat
Beef, pork and chicken are excellent sources of high-quality protein.
Furthermore, beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline and other B-vitamins — all of which are needed in higher amounts during pregnancy.
Iron is an essential mineral that is used by red blood cells as a part of hemoglobin. It is important for delivering oxygen to all cells in the body.
Pregnant women need more iron, since their blood volume is increasing. This is particularly important during the third trimester
Low levels of iron during early and mid-pregnancy may cause iron deficiency anemia, which doubles the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight
It may be hard to cover iron needs with diet alone, especially since many pregnant women develop an aversion to meat
However, for those who can, eating red meat regularly may help increase the amount of iron acquired from the diet.
Eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges or bell peppers, may also help increase absorption of iron from meals.
Bottom Line: Lean meat is a good source of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline and B-vitamins, all of which are important nutrients during pregnancy.
8. Fish Liver Oil
Fish liver oil is made from the oily liver of fish, most often cod.
The oil is very rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are essential for fetal brain and eye development
Fish liver oil is also very high in vitamin D, which many people do not get enough of. It may be highly beneficial for those who don’t regularly eat seafood or supplement with omega-3 or vitamin D.
Low vitamin D intake intake has been linked with an increased risk of preeclampsia. This potentially dangerous complication is characterized by high blood pressure, swelling of the hands and feet, and protein in the urine
Consuming cod liver oil during early pregnancy has been linked with higher birth weight and a lower risk of disease later in the baby’s life
A single serving (one tablespoon) of fish liver oil provides more than the recommended daily intake of omega-3, vitamin D and vitamin A.
However, it is not recommended to consume more than one serving (one tablespoon) per day, because too much preformed vitamin A can be dangerous for the fetus. High levels of omega-3 may also have blood-thinning effects
Bottom Line: A single serving of fish liver oil provides more than the required amount of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and vitamin A. Fish liver oil may be particularly important for women who don’t eat seafood.
9. Berries
Berries are packed with water, healthy carbs, vitamin C, fiber and plant compounds.
They generally contain high amounts of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron.
Vitamin C is also important for skin health and immune function
Berries have a relatively low glycemic index value, so they should not cause major spikes in blood sugar.
Berries are also a great snack because they contain both water and fiber. They provide a lot of flavor and nutrition, but with relatively few calories.
Bottom Line: Berries contain water, carbs, vitamin C, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and plant compounds. They may help pregnant women increase their nutrient and water intake.
10. Whole Grains
Eating whole grains may help meet the increased calorie requirements that come with pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters.
As opposed to refined grains, whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins and plant compounds.
Oats and quinoa also contain a fair amount of protein, which is important during pregnancy.
Additionally, whole grains are generally rich in B-vitamins, fiber and magnesium. All of these are frequently lacking in the diets of pregnant women
Bottom Line: Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins and plant compounds. They are also rich in B-vitamins, fiber and magnesium, all of which pregnant women need.
11. Avocados
Avocados are an unusual fruit because they contain a lot of monounsaturated fatty acids.
They are also high in fiber, B-vitamins (especially folate), vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E and vitamin C.
Because of their high content of healthy fats, folate and potassium, avocados are a great choice for pregnant women.
The healthy fats help build the skin, brain and tissues of the fetus, and folate may help prevent neural tube defects
Potassium may help relieve leg cramps, a side effect of pregnancy for some women. Avocados actually contain more potassium than bananas
Bottom Line: Avocados contain high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, folate and potassium. They may help improve fetal health and relieve the leg cramps that are common in pregnant women.
12. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is generally high in calories, fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
Pregnant Woman Holding Apple
One piece of dried fruit contains the same amount of nutrients as fresh fruit, just without all the water and in a much smaller form.
Therefore, one serving of dried fruit can provide a large percentage of the recommended intake of many vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron and potassium.
Prunes are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin K and sorbitol. They are natural laxatives, and may be very helpful in relieving constipation.
Dates are high in fiber, potassium, iron and plant compounds. Regular date consumption in the third trimester may help facilitate cervical dilation and reduce the need to induce labor
However, dried fruit also contains high amounts of natural sugar. Make sure to avoid the candied varieties, which contain even more sugar.
Although dried fruit may help increase calorie and nutrient intake, it is generally not recommended to consume more than one serving at a time.
Bottom Line: Dried fruit may be highly beneficial for pregnant women, since they are small and nutrient-dense. Just make sure to limit your portions and avoid the candied varieties.
13. Water
During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 1.5 liters. Therefore, it is important to stay properly hydrated
The fetus usually gets everything it needs, but if you don’t watch your water intake, you may become dehydrated.
Symptoms of mild dehydration include headaches, anxiety, tiredness, bad mood and reduced memory
Furthermore, increasing water intake may help relieve constipation and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, which are common during pregnancy
General guidelines recommend drinking about 2 liters of water per day, but the amount you really need varies by individual.
As an estimate, you should be drinking about 1–2 liters each day. Just keep in mind that you also get water from other foods and beverages, such as fruit, vegetables, coffee and tea.
As a rule of thumb, you should always drink water when you’re thirsty, and drink until you’ve quenched your thirst.
Bottom Line: Drinking water is important because of the increased blood volume during pregnancy. Adequate hydration may also help prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.
By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS | Authority Nutrition
