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Nutrition During Pregnancy

You're eating for two now, but that only means an extra 300 or so calories per day -- do your best to use them on something healthy. Use this checklist to be sure you (and baby!) get all the nutrients you need.


Prenatal Vitamin
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Whole Grains and Legumes (6 or more servings)
Try: brown rice, wild rice, whole-grain bread, whole-grain cereal, whole-wheat pasta, pita, tortilla, wheat germ, beans, lentils, peanuts, peas
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Calcium (4 servings)
Try: milk, hard cheese, yogurt, collard greens, edamame, sesame seeds, calcium-fortified juice, canned salmon with bones, tofu
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Yellow, Green and Leafy Veggies and Fruits (3-4 servings)
Try: winter squash, spinach, kale, lettuce, broccoli, red bell pepper, carrot, sweet potato, apricot, mango, cantaloupe, papaya
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Vitamin C (3 servings)
Try: (whole or juiced) orange, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, mango, peach, papaya, cantaloupe, honeydew, spinach, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, avocado
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Protein (3 servings)
Try: poultry, beef, lamb, low-mercury fish and seafood, DHA-enriched eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, beans, tofu, edamame, soy pasta,
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Iron (3 servings)
Try: beef, duck, sardines, spinach, dried fruit, beans, soy products, pumpkin seeds, barley, oat bran
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Other Veggies and Fruits (1-2 servings)
Try: green bean, zucchini, mushroom, corn, potato, apple, pear, banana, cherry, blueberry, avocado
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Fats (roughly 4 servings)
Try: peanut butter, avocado, sour cream, cream cheese, cream, salad dressing, oil, butter, mayonnaise
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Fluids (at least 8 servings of 8 ounces)
Try: water, juice
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-- Paula Kashtan

See More: 1st Trimester , Nutrition

Have something to say? Share your opinion and advice.
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You actually do not need any additional calories your first trimester. In your second trimester you need an additional 350 calories and your second 450 calories. -Molly, RD

by goodgollie

Oops, I meant in your third trimester you need an additional 450 calories from pre-pregnancy intake. HTH!

by goodgollie

My doc highliy recomded extra calories in the first trimester. Your body is doing a lot and it's why so many women are run down those first few weeks. By adding a little extra good carbs, it can really help. Also, she said calorie wise, it's not how many as what. It's 300 extra calories of the right type of food if you were normal or overweight b4 pregnancy. It's more about eating the right foods and splitting up your 3 daily meals into 6-8 mini meals. It has personally worked extremely well for me.

by Lauralibby88

6 to 8 servings of whole grains seems like so much to me. There is no way I get that much in a day.

by sarahkelly

You need to try doubling up on things. For example, one serving of beef can count as a protein and an iron source.

by orgnlmama

I am 5 1/2 weeks and with all the water I'm drinking I am not getting very hungry. I have started grazing more than having meals; an apple here, a granola bar there. I eat about 4 times a day but it is not very much food. I think I going to get a calcium supplement because I know I'm not getting 100mg even with the 200mg for the prenatal vitamins.

by ABoyd

I mean 1000mg of calcium

by ABoyd

I barely keep food down.... how am I supposed to get all those calories and servings down???? I get sick when I even think about certain foods!BLEHHH..

by Mrs_Plumley

is yogourt safe with the active live bacterias?

by hongchen

I'm not focusing on my diet at all. I know that's bad...it's just too much to worry about right now. I'm only 6 weeks along and am not vomiting (yet!) but have really bad food aversions. So I'm eating whatever I can stand to eat when I'm hungry and drinking as much water and juice as possible. I'm not worried about how often I eat or how many calories or how many servings from each food group. I'm not eating junk food- it's all healthy food, but I think it's better to listen to my body than to stress out over a specific diet. What's everyone else think?

by babyaggreen

What if your a picky eater? Im trying my hardest to eat well but I dont like a lot of fruits and veggies, Im drinking 100% juice and eatting nurtrigrain bars to try and get my fruit. Im only 8 wks a long I dont have any morning sickness yet... but if I have to force my self to eat something I gag! Im taking my prenatals, but what else can i do?!? Well the baby be ok?

by LisaRuiz23

For people who said it's a lot of food, keep in mind what a serving size is. Our idea of a serving size tends to be pretty skewed. Of course, if morning sickness is an issue, anything is a lot!

by somuchtodoslt

I just found out I am in my 4th week but I am not hungry at all. I need to remeber to eat. Anyone has similar symptoms?

by paulinapala

About the listed fruits... many other sources say that papaya is not a great idea... i'm not sure if its scientific fact, but they say it causes uterine contractions which are not good for baby, especially if you are high risk, as always, don't rely on everything you find here, ask your doctor.

by prpldrgn1213

I was told the same about the Papaya from a friend that just moved from India pretty recently. She said the same about pineapple actually, but Papaya is supposed to bad! Weird how that is...

by jreed@tncii.com

-how much is a 'serving'? (i.e. 6 servings whole grains/fruits/vegetables) -1 cup? -1 ounce? -grams?

by dvpgirl18

Bump, can you post serving sizes for each of these items...how many oz meat, how many cups of milk or oj, how many pieces of bread or cups of rice, etc.????? Would help alot.

by adyer0507

its easy to find the serving sizes read the packages, a serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards a piece of fruit is a serving use some common sense. I know the prenatal vitamins made me even sicker so I switched to flinestones with folic acid and my doc said thats better than losing weight from being sick. In the beginning eat whatever you can keep down, carbs made me feel better potatoes, toast, bagels, rice, pasta with buttter, meat made me sick. Fruits were easy to eat too juicy ones like fresh strawberries and mangos, cataloupes, watermelon, bananas, pineapple, fresh invigorating smelling fruits. It helps to keep track of the healthy stuff you feel good afer eating and the things that you know you should eat but make you not feel so well after, this way you can find substitutes for those foods, like broccolli and salad for me is delicious but after eating it I am bloated and sick to my stomach for hours..ugh everyones different happy baby growing!

by merri6869

Its really hard to even eat right now. I think im starving and then I sit down to eat and I feel full and nauseous. Im really worried that im not eating enough and nothing seems to help my nausea

by brattycrys

wow ok i broke this all down into a breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner portion, thats a ton of food!!! i wouldn't be able to digest half of this before having to start another mean, goodness gracious!!

by sarahjudy2007

It is important to remember that our perception of portion size is generally incorrect. What we think is 1 serving is often 2 or 3 servings. Check the the labels to find out how much a serving truly is.

by Hiswill4me

that sounds like a lot of food, i don't think i can handle all that

by janetarew1

what exactly is a serving size anyway? at least i know how many oz to drink. is a serving an ounce as well?

by Matt and Melissa

I don't see nuts in this "list", can I eat raw- unsalted nuts? Are they healthy for my baby?

by thehulls

Are these people high? They do realize we don't feel good during this time and will most likely not be able to stomach most of this........a man probably came up with it. LOL

by scatteredbones

Are these people high? They do realize we don't feel good during this time and will most likely not be able to stomach most of this........a man probably came up with it. LOL

by scatteredbones

This seems like a lot of food to consume each day... even considering the small size of a serving, it still seems like a lot.

by jennairv13

I feel like I can barely eat three meals a day I'm so full after a few bites, I know I'm not supporting the baby, but I feel like I 'll throw up if I eat any more sometimes. Any advice?

by teach1052

Ok so I was thinking this a a lot of food, then I see about sized of porportion. If I don't even really small meals. I get sick. Plus If I eat every 2-4 hours I get sick. when I drink juices I get sick with in 5 minutes. I'm 13 weeks is this common? I want to eat healthy but, I'm sick all the time plus, I'm such a picky eater. Do you have any ideas on time frames. Pineapples bad for you. aww man that sucks

by alminks456

I am 7 weeks preganant and so sick to my stomach that the thought of food makes me nasueas. I hope this goes away!!!

by PhillyGreek

i think as long as i eat the nutritional stuff i can still splurge on junk when youre craving food i already gained 10 lbs and im ony 5 n a half weeks but i havent been able to keep anything down so im not really sure if its all the water they had to rish in me where i was dehydrated or what

by homegurl_fo_life_26101

i am working for four hours as a lecturer in india.could you suggest how do i maintain diet.and after birth of baby how many month at least i need to to take break from job for baby.i am tense what to do. my college managment is not much friendly

by dollypreeti

I am 6wks pregnant and food isnt even appealing to me, i am nausiated most of the day. there is no way i can get that much food in me.

by sweetasme26

Remember that serving sizes aren't always what we think. A serving of meat is only 3 ounces and a serving of cooked pasta is only 1/2 cup. We typically sit and eat several servings in one meal.

by dandy7321

That seems like a lot to me too, I don't think I can possibly eat that much in one day (pregnant or not)!

by breathlessbride

I'm only on my sixth week and food in general is seriously grossing me out, so either I'm hungry and nauseous or extra nauseous because I ate. That's mostly with medium sized meals. Any advice?

by susanamarina

When I was pregnant with my twins I was told to eat as much as I could. I seemed to have followed that advice w/ my single too. I'm taking Promise Stages prenatal and Promise DHA (which I totally love, love, love- such a great find) so I know I'm getting what I need, I'm just starving every few hours. Any tips on how to slow down the eating. :)

by elidan

just took test few days ago..last time i had my period was end of march..i'm not sure how far im because my husband and i have been TLC for pass few months..i have no clue what to eat is right

by mel1011

I'm 19 weeks and I'm having problems eating. It's not because I'm nauseated and sick (finally got over that!), but I have absolutely no appetite. I eat three meals a day, but I usually have to force myself to do that. I try to eat snacks in between meals. There's nothing that I crave or even slightly want. I'm afraid that the baby isn't going to get enough nutrition. I've only gained 10 pounds and have lost 3 of those pounds in two days.

by mworthington88

How much is one serving? A cup?

by hughsy02

How much is one "serving"?

by naebar

It's important to note that a LOT of these recommended servings overlap. For example, if you're eating something with cheese, you're getting calcium, protein and fat. And if you combine grains or legumes with dairy, that forms a complete protein. It would be helpful if the list noted that you should not just check off down the list without checking to see what foods are pulling double duty- if you do you'll end up way overeating.

by miriamg618

I need extra calories in my first trimester... I'm extra hypoglycemic and it's wearing on me! Making a healthy grocery store list at the moment.

by abbadabbado

It's important that not only you eat a healthy diet but also to supplement it with a complete prenatal vitamin. I have been reading about how the digestive system works during pregnancy and found 2 main important things: 1) one-a-day vitamins has become a marketing stunt and convenience should not be main priority especially since your pregnant. Dr.Mercola mentioned that one-a-day vitamins DO NOT give you all the required vnutrients because they cannot be packed into such small pills/capsules (the vitamins I take, bebe-O, is 4 a day and has EVERYTHNG you need.) 2) even if you are eating great, you have to look beyond what you eat and consider the nutriotional value of everything. (ie how much vitamin C are you getting out of a tomato etc). Today, mass farming techniques has unfortunately degraded the amounts of nutrients in our foods (1/3 of what it use to be 20 yrs ago) thus- no matter how good you eat, you should still supplement with a compelte multivitamin 3) nutrients should be spreak out over time. Everything passes through your liver before getting absorbed into your blood stream. When your pregnant, your baby is developing at ALL TIMES, not just once-a-day. I hope this advice helps most of you and encourage you to try out bebe-O. I have tried many prenatal vitamins and this one is definitely the best available. www.bebe-O.com 2)

by MarySm

Any suggestions for a first time pregnant vegetarian???

by carlywit

this is sooo helpful I'm printing them out to keep in my kitchen:)

by dta123

Small portions! Take it in small portions so you don't get too sick!

by rebajean

Love this chart but it seems like i dont get to 1/2 of it be end of my day... water/juice no problem. But i'm not hungry what so ever... i choke down 4 mini meals and a cliff bar each day. How else can i make sure i'm getting what I need?

by KatShann82

Oh my gosh I can barely get half of what I was eating down before. thats a lot of food how can I eat all that? Is there a list somewhere of foods that cover more than one catagory? like smoothies cover one dairy and one fruit???

by erynalexis

I'm only 8 weeks but for some reason I feel so hungry all of the time, is that normal? I was pregnant before but I misscarried at 12 weeks and during that time I didn't feel like this at all. I can't put into words how hungry I feel all the time and I have never felt like this before...I hope somethings not wrong?

by c_ciampanelli

Like several of the other posters.. I feel like I'm starving, but once I start eating something I feel full after only a few bites, and that is sooo not like me! I have felt nauseated but have not threw up (yet.. Thank God)! Trying to eat more healthy things, and my husband has banned me from soft drinks.. which will be a real struggle! What kind of juice should I drink? Apple, Orange.. ?

by lmstalve

My first pregnancy consisted of trips to taco bell and goldenspoon and I had a healthy happy baby, whose now 4. I unfortunately gained 70 lbs which took a year to get off. This time around, I am determined not to repeat history and eat mostly fruits veggies some dairy and meats. The same cravings for mexican pizzas have begun again, but I know what the outcome of those are. Try to eat as healthy as possible if you are concerned with how you want your body to look during and after pregnancy. If you are only really concerned about the safety of your baby, your body makes sure it gets whatever nutrients it needs, it will suck them out of your bones, muscle tissue etc. Remember, its not jsut about the baby's health, its about yours too :) Good luck mommies!

by nottadumbrunette

Is it even possible to eat this much food in one day?

by cheadle_c

I can't possibly eat that much in a day. Since I've been preggers, I have no appetite, and occasionally get nauseated after eating. Haven't gotten sick yet, but I look at food and have no desire to eat it. Its fortunate, I guess, because when I do eat, I am choosing the most nutrient-dense foods... Oatmeal with extra flax and blueberries, hardboiled eggs, yogurt with berries... I don't want to eat, so when I do I force down better food than what I would choose if I had an appetite!

by boobear630

I see so many people saying that this is a lot of food. You have to think that about SIZE. Most times when you go to a restaraunt, what you get on your plate is about 3 times the portion size that is actually considered a serving. Also, remember that you CAN eat one thing that falls into 2 categories and check off both. Like one serving of beef (4 oz) counts as 1 protein AND 1 iron. Orange Juice with Calcium is a calcium AND a vitamin C. A serving of peanut butter (2 tbs) counts as a serving of protein and Jiff has one with DHA added. Have whole grain toast with peanut butter in the morning. 2 slices of toast is 2 servings of whole grain. A good snack is an Apple w/ peanut butter. Now you have a fruit and a protein. Plan out your snacks and meals. Figure out which foods are multi category and check both catagories off. Its not as much food as you think.

by JessieM08

That's ridiculous, first of all I could not even eat this much even if I wanted to unless one serving means one slice or a small piece. If I were to eat all this I would explode. If you need an extra 400 calories have half a sandwich and there you go or 2 fruit smoothies.

by ecseke

This list is great! I'm printing this out for quick reference and this could even work as a regular diet plan after baby.

by HeavenLeAnn

So I just wanted to let everyone know a trick I found out for morning/all day sikness :) Ginger tea with honey or suger helps to calm my stomach ... also try drinking ginger ale or ginger chews from trader joes :) hope this helps

by 2Damicos

I found a website that lists serving sizes. It's from the Cleveland Clinic (a reliable source) and very thorough!! http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/weight/servingsize.aspx

by babyabroad

I suppose I am on the lucky end of the spectrum, as I LOVE milk and will drink it all day, every day if possible! I also began drinking a lot of water about a year ago, before I even thought about getting pregnant. I typically drink one cup (maybe two servings?) of coffee a day, and on occassion ONE soda. My problem is the eating portion! I'm trying to figure out what NOT to eat, as in the issue with deli meats and listeria! My PA told me it was ok, because the cases of listeria are only about 2 or 3 a year, but all of the other research says to avoid it unless you heat it up til it is steaming! that only works for me if I am making a panini! I've been eating a lot of fruit lately, an orange a day or every other day, or plums, or strawberries and pineapple chunks with a little bit of natural sugar sprinkled on top. My biggest weakness is when we go out to restaurants, I tend to splurge on things like Nachos (which I am craving) or other not so healthy options. Any thoughts on what are good options when going out to eat?

by lexib6224

I find this pretty easy actually and I have to gain between 25-35lbs. As long as you're eating healthy foods mostly you will get these servings and some foods have more than one group. For breakfast I eat peanut butter toast then have another bigger breakfast of whole grain cereal and orange juice. Throughout the day I drink water and grape juice. I also drink a couple glasses of milk. Either for lunch or supper I eat some kind of meat and vegetables. I also buy fruits I like and healthy fruit bars to snack on during the day. Some days I may not get exactly as many calories as you are suppose to but I think if you feel you're eating enough and your baby is gaining weight your FINE! Hope this helps! :)

by MandyJo009

Can the Bump offer some meal plan suggestions that meet this? It seems like a LOT of food.

by megantx13

how much would be one serving? 1 cup = 1 serving?????

by tstarr03

how much would be one serving? 1 cup = 1 serving?????

by tstarr03

im 9 weeks yesterday i just started keeping food down.. and still thinking of food gets me sick.. and wen i do eat some food, its not to healthy of a choice,,, fruit is great for me and vegies i love fish right now and everytime i eat i feel sick... i can only eat a lil at a time.. i know i still dont eat enough .. and i feel really bad.. for my poor baby.. juana

by Juanambaby02

I'm a pretty strict vegetarian, and only 6 weeks along. But every time I see someone eating meat, I want to wrestle him for it. I even dream of turkey burgers and lobster tails. Will I be shocking my system if I adapt to the cravings ... or should I find veggie protein sources?

by JLBR2010

Im kinda tripping about my food intake, but not obsessing Im gonna continue working out thou!!! Watching my weight is important so eating healthy is a most!!!

by wakeup79

A great way to add protein, calcium, folate, magnesium and a few others vita/min is to add quiona (pronouced keen-wa) to almost any meal. It's a small grain & vitually tastless by itself. usually found in the "natural food or gluten free" section. Add to eggs, soups, pasta, oatmeal, salad...anything really.

by SCChad

Some strategies that might help include eating small meals frequently, whether you are hungry or not, eating foods high in carbohydrates and potassium and low in fats, eating dry food a half hour before getting out of bed, eating liquid and solid foods a half hour apart, and munching on salty snacks. -BikesDirect

by BikesDirect

How many mg of folic acid should my prenatal vitamin have?

by Paddlefisher

Ok, I need help. I'm eating what seems like a LOT trying to follow these guidelines and I've already gained 5 lbs, but I didnt really eat alot before. How many calories do I need in my first Trimester? 1000?

by steph2517

I have celiac disease so balancing nutrition is going to be very difficult - but I have had the opportunity to meet with a RD and as mentioned in a post below - ensuring that you eat foods that can double as a source - ie. beans are excellent for iron, fibre and many can provide additional nutrients like folate and vitamin b and chick peas (YAY for humus) are an excellent snack with fibre and protein but not too many calories :) good luck healthy eating everyone! (as I chow down on a mini aero bar...I keep telling myself antioxidants and calcium lol)

by zoodles

I already eat many small meals, every 3 - 4 hours. I have shyd away from the love of the majority of my junk food. @ ABoyd Drinking more water has been filling me up as well. It has also made me more aware of what I am eating. My plate has smaller serving of a number of the above to get all i need. My snacks are generally yogurt, veggiees, veggies juice and fruits. I have started grilling the meats that bring double protein and iron. Staying away from fish is going to be tough for me. I can only do so much. My body,well baby, has already painstakingly let me know that we are not eating fried food... I started to prepare my dish on an adult version of a 3 year olds.

by debronzeyes12

I am lucky if my stomach will tolerate a piece of lettuce in a sandwich. 3-4 servings of fruits and vegetables is simply not happening right now. But my OB said that during the first trimester he really doesn't care what I eat as long as I eat SOMETHING and stay hydrated.

by bromios