Dietary Requirements
Pregnant women
Diet during pregnancy
Before getting
pregnant – healthy
diet + folic acid to
prevent neural tube
defects
Extra 300 kCals /day .
Provide for growth
with extra protein, vit
A, calcium, vit D.
Avoid nicotine,
caffeine, alcohol
Dietary needs for pregnancy
Iron and vit. C to
prevent anaemia
Deficiency of vit. K
can cause a fatal
disease in newborns.
Thiamine to release
energy from food
Fatty acids for
nervous system – oily
fish, liver, egg yolk
soya beans
Dietary difficulties during
pregnancy
Cravings and “going off” foods
Nausea esp. first14 weeks dry
toast, avoid fatty foods.
Heartburn – due to pressure on
stomach – avoid fatty and spicy
foods. Eat small meals, try
yoghurt or milk.
Constipation – increase water and
fibre
Avoid raw eggs, coleslaw and soft
cheeses – listeria and salmonella