Common Characteristics
An adequate diet is perhaps more important during pregnancy than at any other time in
a woman's life. Because an expectant mother actually shares everything she consumes with
her unborn baby, she must eat enough healthful foods to supply both herself and her
child with the nutrients each needs. For this reason, most women are advised to eat an
additional 200 to 300 calories a day during pregnancy and to gain at least 25 pounds. Usually,
an expectant mother gains little or no weight during the early weeks of pregnancy. By the
end of the third month, however, she is likely to gain at a steady rate of about one pound a
week until term. Throughout pregnancy, weight reduction diets should be avoided.
Nutritional Requirements
According to the Recommended Dietary Allowances established by the National Academy of
Sciences, pregnant women require considerably more protein than non-pregnant women. Women
who normally consume about 45 grams of protein a day are advised to increase their daily
intake by 30 grams during pregnancy--the amount of protein in four cups of milk (whole or
skimmed) or yogurt or four ounces of natural cheese, canned tuna or chicken. A 25-to 50-percent
increase in most vitamins and minerals is also recommended. To meet these nutritional
requirements, pregnant women should eat a varied diet, including the daily consumption of foods
from each of four basic food groups--high-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, fish and
legumes; dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt; grain products, such as breads,
cereals and rice; and fruits and vegetables.
Because a woman's blood volume doubles during pregnancy, extra iron is essential to produce
healthy red blood cells. Since sufficient quantities of iron to meet this need are not obtained
in an average diet, doctors usually prescribe iron supplements during pregnancy in doses of 30
to 60 milligrams a day. Without supplementation, the woman risks becoming anemic, which increases
susceptibility to infection and illness. In fact, most doctors advise expectant mothers to take
multi-vitamin and mineral supplements during pregnancy to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients.
The supplements generally include folic acid, and, in the last trimester, calcium. In some women,
special vitamin and mineral supplementation may be necessary. Vegetarians, for example, may
require supplementary zinc, chromium and vitamin B12.
Like drugs, vitamin and mineral supplements should not be taken without consulting a doctor.
Similarly, pregnant women should not limit their consumption of specific foods, such as salt or
fluids, unless so directed by their doctors.
