Pregnant women have many ways to get the nutrition they need while maintaining the vegetarian diet depending on the type of vegetarian meal plan that women follow. They may need to adjust eating habits in addition to taking a daily prenatal vitamin and eat an extra 200 to 300 calories per day choosing foods from a variety of food groups. It is important to pay special attention to getting in a protein, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, iron, vitamin C in your diet. We will be providing the additional guidelines to help you meet those needs:
Protein:
Giving baby the building blocks needed for growth by getting three to four servings of protein per day. Daily egg products are good sources of protein for the lateral or Lacto-Ovo diet. Pescatarian diets include fish which is also a great source of protein. If the women eat plant food only vegan diet women can choose other protein sources such as nuts, peanut butter, legumes, Soy products, Quinoa and tofu, and the women should have proteins at least 4 times a day. Serving sizes varies for food sources however, a basic guideline is to have the protein sources equal one-fourth of the plate.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is found only in animal sources such as milk, eggs, and fish and it is needed for proper function and growth of the brain, nerves and blood cells. Vegans are at least for not getting enough of this vitamin so it is advised to look for foods that are added with vitamin B12 and to take a daily prenatal vitamin with 2.6 micrograms of B12.
Calcium:
Calcium builds strong bones in muscles this mineral can be found in many foods such as dairy products, seafood, leafy green vegetables, dried beans, and almonds and also take the food calcium added such as soy milk or tofu. Eat or drink at least four servings of calcium per day. If the women follow a vegan diet you will need to add more calcium sources to your daily diet.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is needed to help the body absorb calcium and can be found in fortified milk eggs, fish, shitake mushrooms and oyster mushrooms. Getting 10 to15 minutes of sunlight on your face, hands, and arms before applying sunscreen three times a week will help your body to make vitamin D.
Zinc:
Zinc is needed for healthy cell growth including wound healing and boosting your immune system. Sources of Zinc include whole grains, legumes, Soyfoods, Milk and vegetables. Eat five to six servings per day.
Iron:
Iron helps our red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body eat at least four servings of iron-rich food per day. Source supports with iron include eggs, leafy green vegetables, sweet potato, dried beans, peas, raisins, peanuts.
Vitamin C:
Iron from plant sources is not absorbed by the body. To help your body absorb more iron make sure to eat at least one serving of food that has Vitamin C such as oranges, kiwi, bell pepper, Tomatoes, cauliflower.
Vitamin A:
A single daily serving of plant-based food that has vitamin A is a good way to give your body nutrients to support cell growth and immune function. Foods that have this vitamin often have orange or yellow hues such as cantaloupe, pumpkins, and carrots.
We will be providing best care at our hospital for pregnancy women and also provides a dietician who will guide you which food to be taken.
