NUTRITION DURING

PREGNANCY

Weight GainItem Amount

Baby 7-8 pounds

Blood Volume Increase 3 pounds

Placenta 1 pound

Tissue 2-6 pounds

Uterus 2 pounds

Fat Deposits 5 pounds

Breasts 1 pound

Amniotic Fluid 2-4 pounds

Fluids 2-6 pounds

Total ~ 25 to 35 pounds

Weight Gain… 1 to 4 pounds total

during the first 3 months (first trimester)

2 to 4 pounds per month during the 4th to 9th months (second and third trimesters)

Daily Food Requirements

Milk and Milk Products, Dairy4 servings

Daily Food Requirements

Meats & Proteins3 servings

Daily Food Requirements

Fruits2-4 servings1 high in vitamin C

Daily Food Requirements

Vegetables Dark green and deep yellow

vegetables several times a week3 to 5 servings

Daily Food Requirements

Breads & Carbohydrates6 to 11 servings a dayAim for whole grains

Beneficial Nutrients Folic Acid

○ reduces risk of birth defects (spina bifida)

○ found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, citrus fruits, beans, fortified cereals

Iron○ helps mom and baby’s blood carry

oxygen○ green leafy vegetables, red meat, beans

Calcium○ fetus needs for bone growth○ helps mom from losing bone density○ found in Milk group

Avoid … Alcohol

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

High risk of still born or miscarriage

Low birth rateMental retardation

Avoid … Smoking –low birth weight, stillbirth,

poor lung development, SIDS, 2nd hand smoke is also dangerous

Medications – NO medications should be taken (even over the counter) unless approved by doctor

X-rays – Exposing fetus to radiation can cause birth defects

Hot tubs/saunas – raises core temperature of mom, could harm fetus

Foods to Avoid … Some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous

levels of mercury. Too much mercury could damage your baby's developing nervous system.

The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it's likely to contain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourage pregnant women to avoid:

Swordfish Shark King mackerel Tilefish Limit albacore tuna, chunk white tuna and tuna steak

to no more than 6 ounces, or 170 grams, a week