Chapter 12: Pregnancy

Weight gain allotments for Underweight

28-40 lbs

Trimester calorie guidelines

• No extra calories in the first trimester

• 2nd trimester: 340 calories

• 3rd trimester: 450 extra calories

Supplements

• Prenatal vitamins recommended for iron and folic acid.

• Avoid herbal supplements due to unknown safety.

Nutrient deficiencies with pregnancy 

Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron

Vitamin D

Important for bone health

Folic Acid

Prevents neural tube defects

Helps with brain, spine, and spinal cord growth

Vitamin B12

supplements necessary for vegans during pregnancy 

Helps with nervous system health and RBC formation

Iron

• helps your body make more RBCs(more hemoglobin) so your body gets enough oxygen 

PICA

• purposeful ingestion of nonfood substances like dirt, clay, starch, and ice 

• Caused by an iron deficiency 

Things to avoid with pregnancy 

Alcohol

Too much high-mercury fish 

Reasons to avoid high mercury

• Too much mercury can cause neurological damage in the fetus 

• Can be eaten but only a few times a week

Increase DHA-rich fatty fish intake (e.g., salmon) to…

aid in fetal brain development.

Ways to reduce nausea during pregnancy

• Eat simple foods (easily digested carbohydrates) in the morning like crackers

• Limiting high fat content 

• Eat small frequent meals