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Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy

Each day you should take care to ensure that you eat a balanced diet. Try to make sure that you eat from the four food groups; fats, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates.

Limit your intake of fats, and try to cut down the sodiumOne of the most important elements in the human body, sodium helps control the body's acid-base balance, water retention as well as transmit nerve impulses and muscle contractions. The body's sodium levels are controlled by the kidney.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.
in your diet. Salt limits the body's ability to absorb vital minerals such as calcium.

It is much easier to control your diet if you avoid eating take out food, and try and eat at home as much as possible. Build a diet from the following food groups.

Dietary fats during pregnancy

Try and limit your intake of fats altogether. Unsaturated fats, those which do not solidfy at room temperature, and include margerine, olive oil and sunflower oil, are better for you and lower in cholesterol.

Dietary protein during pregnancy

Meat, fish, poultry and eggs are good sources of protein. Try to eat 4 - 6 servings of protein each day. Dairy products contain protein, fat and calcium and are good for growing healthy teeth and bones as well as essential vitamins. The table below shows a typical serving size for different protein sources.

Sources of protein
  • Source
  • red meat & poultry
  • fish
  • eggs
  • legumes, grains, cereal
  • low fat milk
  • cheese
  • yogurt
  • Serving Size
  • 3oz (85gr)
  • 4-6oz (113-170gr)
  • 1 egg
  • 4oz (113gr)
  • 1 cup
  • 1-2oz (28-57gr)
  • 1 cup

Dietary fiber during pregnancy

Fiber is good for the body and digestion. Good sources of fiber include dark green leafy vegetables and fruit. Fiber can provide you with essential vitamins as well as minerals including potassium and zinc as well as magnesium, iron and folic acid. The table below shows a typical serving size for different fiber sources.

Sources of fiber
  • Source
  • leafy green vegetables
  • mixed salad
  • fruit & dried fruit
  • Source
  • 3oz (85gr)
  • generous helping
  • 1 piece

Dietary carbohydrates during pregnancy

Starch based carbohydrates are preferable to sugar based carbohydrates because they release their energy more slowly. Carbohydrates are especially valuable when pregnant and contain fiber, protein and vitamins.

Sources of carbohydrates
  • Source
  • whole grain bread
  • pasta, rice, potatoes
  • cereal
  • Source
  • 1 slice
  • 2-4oz (57-113gr)
  • 2oz (57gr)

Maintaining fuid intake during pregnancy

Your blood volume will double over the course of your pregnancy. Be sure to maintain a high fluid intake. Try to drink at least six glasses of water each day.


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Diet & Nutrition