Introduction There is no doubt that pregnancy is a special condition that calls for special care for expectant mothers. During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through drastic changes. Often, the body goes through hormonal, physiological and physical changes in preparation for the coming baby (Carroll, 2009, p. 327). Medical professionals say that during this time, every expectant mother must nourish their body with the right nutrients and in sufficient quantities for her own health and that of the unborn baby. It is extremely important for expectant mothers to start consulting health experts early enough for the advice on nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. The following sections give general guidelines on what is expected of expectant mothers in terms of nutrition as well as the do’s and don’ts during pregnancy Nutritional needs Normally, the nutritional requirements of the body increase during pregnancy. Though a pregnant woman does not necessarily need to consume food for two individuals, the body requires an increased intake of both macro and micronutrients including proteins, fluids, calories, iron, folic acid, and calcium (Jill & Romm, 2011, p. 34). The intake of these nutrients must feature in the additional daily requirements that pregnant women need. Balanced diet A good and balanced diet is the most appropriate way through which a pregnant woman can meet the additional nutritional needs. One can ensure a balanced diet by eating a variety of foods that supply proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Folic Acid One of the most important nutrients a pregnant woman needs is folic acid. This is a B-group vitamin that helps in the correct development of cells of the unborn baby as well as the placenta (Whiney et al., 2010, p. 309). It also helps in preventing brain and heart conditions in babies. Pregnant mothers should at least take 400 mg of this nutrient daily. The foods rich in folic acid include animal products such as beef, chicken and liver, vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, fruit juice like orange and grapefruit. Pulses and cereals also are good sources of folic acid. Minerals Pregnant women also require minerals and trace elements with the most important being Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese and Zinc. Calcium helps in the formation of strong bones and teeth while magnesium is needed for cell multiplication and development in the fetus (Pillitteri, 2009, p. 299). Pregnant women should consume about 1.5 grams of calcium daily and 300 mg of magnesium daily. Fruits and vegetables such as fortified orange juice, milk and kale as well as pulses are good sources of calcium. Bananas, chocolate, pulses and milk on the other hand are good sources of magnesium. Iron mainly helps in the manufacture of red blood cells while manganese helps in developing the hearing system. Zinc on the other hand helps in the development of major organs such as the brain and pancreas. Pregnant women should take 30 mg of iron, 2.5 mg of manganese and 10 mg of zinc daily. Fruits such as strawberries, vegetables such as spinach, pulses and animal products such liver are good sources of iron. Strawberries, kale, and cereal are good sources of manganese while wat