Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life as the life created grows into a healthy baby. In order for proper growth to occur, the mother has to have an adequate food intake to supply energy to support the pregnancy and the growing needs of the fetus. How much additional energy is required during pregnancy? For an uncomplicated pregnancy in a mother of normal weight, a 25-35 pound weight gain in nine months is recommended. This may be accomplished by adding an extra 300 calories per day to her diet. The following servings are recommended and vary depending upon the mother's age, pre-pregnancy size, and whether or not any medical conditions are present:
4 servings from the milk group (1 serving = 1 cup milk or yogurt, or 1 1\2 oz of cheese)
3-4 servings from the meat group (1 serving = 2 oz cooked meat, 1\2 cup tuna, or 2 tablespoons peanut butter)
3-5 servings from the vegetable group (1 serving = 1\2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw leafy vegetables)
2-4 servings from the fruit group (1 serving = 1\2 cup canned, 1\2 cup dried, or 1 medium piece of fruit)
6-11 servings from the grain group (1 serving = 1 slice of bread, 1 oz cereal, or 1\2 cup pasta)
Proper nutrition is only one of many components affecting a healthy pregnancy and baby. If maintaining a nutritional food plan is difficult for the mother, consultation with a registered dietician knowledgeable in pregnancy needs may be necessary and beneficial.