Many women wonder if they should follow a special diet during pregnancy. In general, a pregnant woman does not need a special diet but merely a well-balanced one. To ensure that you are eating a balanced diet, you should follow the Food Guide Pyramid. This pyramid was devised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help you get the nutrients you need. If you have special medical needs such as diabetes mellitus or are a strict vegetarian, you may wish to consider a consultation with a registered dietician.
Pregnancy increases dietary allowances for nutritional and vitamin needs.
Important parts of the daily diet should include protein, calcium, B-vitamins, vitamin C, and folic acid. To ensure that you are receiving adequate vitamins and nutrients, a prenatal multivitamin may be prescribed by your healthcare provider. The total weight gain recommended in pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds. The average woman will gain about 5 pounds in the first three months and then about a pound per week thereafter. Underweight women may gain up to 40 pounds, and overweight women should limit weight gain to 15 to 25 pounds.