Nutrition

Proper nutrition education includes discussing the increased nutritional needs of the pregnant person and the growing fetus. Pregnant people need about 300 more calories per day than prior to pregnancy. This is about two eggs, a bowl of oatmeal, or one extra piece of medium size fruit per meal. In addition to the 5 food groups – grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy – healthy oils and fats are important foods to incorporate into a pregnant person’s diet. Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin C, and Folate are all important vitamins during pregnancy. Most of these are easily found in healthy foods, but pregnant people should take a prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplement during pregnancy as a contingency. Limiting caffeine and abstaining from alcohol is also important during pregnancy.