Vegetarian Diet

How does pregnancy affect a vegetarian's diet?

Because the foods you eat are the main source of nourishment for your developing baby, it is important to eat a well balanced diet during pregnancy. Many vegetarian and vegan mothers wonder if what they are eating is enough to support a growing baby during pregnancy. More than likely, it is. Generally, vegetarian and vegan individuals have very healthy and wholesome diets. Some women may need to make some modifications to their diet to meet the demands of a growing baby during pregnancy.

All diets should include protein, fats, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. For vegetarians and vegans, it may be difficult to get the necessary amounts of B12, zinc and iron that are necessary. In addition to consuming a well balanced diet, it is important for all women to consume a prenatal vitamin daily. Eating whole grains, dried beans, tofu and green leafy vegetables will allow the daily recommended amount of 30 mg of iron a day be met.

Ideally, you should eat at least 4-5 servings of protein rich foods each day, totaling approximately 70 grams of protein each day. This can include beans, legumes, tofu, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, nuts peanut butter and seeds. Many manufacturers are now making meatless protein products such as soy burgers. Consume 6-10 servings of whole grains each day. Whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat bread, cereal, pasta and oatmeal. You should be eating 3-5 servings of fruit each day and 3-5 servings of vegetables. Because Vitamin D and calcium are important in the formation of strong bones and teeth in a developing baby, it is important to consume approximately 1300 milligrams of calcium each day. Try to consume atleast 8 servings of calcium rich foods, which include milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, soy milk, broccoli and apple or orange juice.

Comments: Vegetarian Diet

Comments 1 to 9 of about 9.

stopbingeeating - 506 days ago.
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ENG114 - 1558 days ago.
What are some advantages to being a vegetarian expecting mother as opposed to an expecting mother that eats meat?

kungfu-ronin - 1584 days ago.
haha get this, i have been a vegetarian my entire life, and a vegan for health/personal reasons for 5 years. I had gotten my iron and a few other things checked (blood pressure, ect.) and everything came back excellent. i knew they would BUT the midwife covering mine (my midwife was away for a few days) said that i had to get them taken again because it couldn't be right. i told her i was appalled that she would infer that my extremely healthy lifestyle was any but healthy and try to make me take another test. needless to say i had spoken with my midwife and she said not to mind her because she doesn't understand my lifestyle and isn't used to working the vegan patients. Its amazing to me that so many people honestly still believe that being a vegetarian isn't healthy. maybe i shouldn't be too shocked since many of America's citizens are anything but healthy. I was just so amazed that a woman who was in her profession for so long could have such a narrow look at different diets!! geeesh!

Dezzi - 1624 days ago.
olliesmom- mollasses also has alot of iron in it :)

olliesmom - 1625 days ago.
I have a doctors visit tomorrow so I was holding off on any supplements until then, but wanted to see if anyone else has managed anemia w/o supplements.

olliesmom - 1625 days ago.
I've heard they can cause constipation. Due to pregnancy symptoms, I can't eat tons of fruit, so I'm already dealing w/ consitpation on a regular basis. I really don't want more cuases of it. I haven't been tested since early in pregnancy, but I've had issues in the past and I've noticed an increase in fatigue in the last 2 weeks or so. I've tried adding more 'iron' foods, but haven't noticed any help.

MelissaJoanne - 1625 days ago.
Has your doctor tested your blood recently to see if you're anemic? (you can't always 'feel' it) If you are actually anemic, your doctor should prescribe a supplement for you. It's not awful taking iron, is there a reason why you think it sounds awful? I've taken iron for years due to anemia (caused by a disease, not pregnancy or vegetarianism). I had to take even more iron while I was pregnant, and never had any problems with it.

olliesmom - 1625 days ago.
I'm at 23 weeks and beginning to feel a little anemic. Did anyone eating a vegetarian diet do anything to step up their iron intake w/o supplements sucessfully? I really don't want to eat meat or take iron supplements (they sound awful!), but I'm worried that I'm low on iron. Any recommendations?

MelissaJoanne - 1625 days ago.
I had a very successful (organic) vegetarian pregnancy. After my daughter was born, the doctor commented about how big and healthy the umbilical cord was. She made the nurse + lactation consultant come look at how healthy the cord was. M husband and I thought it was really funny. We didn't know an umbilical cord could be so impressive!. I didn't make any modifications to my diet while pregnant, other than to consume a bit more than I did pre-pregnancy, when necessary.