This protects against spinal defects in the fetus. In addition, most pregnant women will be advised to supplement their diet with iron tablets after the first trimester. If you are vegetarian, or restrict your diet in such a way that you do not get a full balance of vitamins and nutrients in your meals, you provider may recommend additional supplementation. Because of the energy demands of the pregnancy, the Food and Nutrition Board recommends that all pregnant women increase their daily caloric intake by 300 kcals throughout the duration of the pregnancy. Increasing protein intake in the form of meat, mild eggs, cheese, poultry, and fish is an ideal way of getting these extra 300 kcals.
Most foods are acceptable during pregnancy.
Avoid raw meat and raw dairy products. These products may carry harmful bacteria that may cause infection. Other substances you should avoid include alcohol, excess caffeine, and saccharin. Excess consumption of alcohol could lead to a syndrome called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome . This syndrome is characterized by facial and developmental abnormalities in the fetus.