It is important for pregnant women to eat right for themselves and for their baby. The following are some frequently asked questions about pregnancy and nutrition that we get from pregnant women and their loved ones:

 

What are my calorie requirements?

• Typically it is recommended to consume an additional 300 calories per day throughout the second and third trimesters

• For twin pregnancy: an additional 150 calories per day above the needs of a singleton pregnancy. (Or 450-500 extra calories per day)

It is important to note that the types of foods eaten are more important than simply home much.

 

What are my protein requirements?

• An additional 10 gram per day above regular needs (or minimum of 71 grams per day)

• This equates to 3-4 servings per day

 

What are my vitamin and mineral requirements?

Calcium

• Daily Reference Intake (DRI): 1000 mg/day

• This equates to 3-4 servings per day

• A serving is:

  • 1 cup milk or calcium fortified juice or soy milk

  • 1.5-2 ounces hard cheese

  • 1 cup yogurt

  • 1-1.5 cups pudding or ice cream

• Calcium from vegetables is harder to absorb

 

Folic Acid

The Institute of Medicine recommends all women capable of becoming pregnant should consume a supplement containing 400 mcg of folic acid in addition to folate found in foods.

• DRI: 600 mcg/day

• Food sources of folate:

  • Fortified cereals

  • Legumes

  • Orange juice

  • Spinach

  • Asparagus

Iron

• DRI: 27 mg/day

• The National Academy of Sciences recommends a supplement with 30 mg/day after 12th week for most people.

 

For more information individually tailored to your needs, contact us for an appointment.