PRENATAL NUTRITION

Nutrition Before Delivery

The following guidelines were develped to help you get the best possible nutrition for you and your baby. However, the guidelines are only recommendations and may need to be adjusted if you are under or overweight, unable to eat, have special dietary needs or allergies; or if you are carrying more than one baby. If you are concerned about weight gain or need help using a food guide, talk to your health care provider about seeing a prenatal nutritionist with your health care provider.  Food Guidelines 
 
Health weight gain: 28-40 pounds (depending on pre-pregnant weight)

• Key nutritients
• Protein
• Folic acid and other vitamins
• Calcium
• Micronutrients, including iron
• Food servings recommended per day
• 6-11 breads and cereals
• 3-5 vegetables
• 2-4 fruits
• 2-3 protein/protein alternates (6-9 oz per day)
• 2-3 dairy
• Drink 8 or more large glasses of water
   
   
  Recommended Weight Gain during Pregnancy 
  
   
  Weight gain usually occurs at a smooth, gradual rate during pregnancy. For the first three months, expect to gain a total of 2 to 5 pounds. During the remaining six months, the normal rate of weight gain is about 2 to 6 pounds per month, or one pound per week. The average expected weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds if you begin a pregnancy at a desirable weight and are carrying only one baby. A variety of weight gain levels can result in healthy babies. What is important is to gain enough weight to keep you and your baby healthy. The amount of weight gain needed depends on your height and weight before becoming pregnant.
  
  Range of Weight Gain* 
• 
  If you start pregnancy underweight, the recommended total weight gain is: 28-40 pounds.
•  
  If you start pregnancy at desirable weight, the recommended total weight gain is: 25-35 pounds.
•  
  If you start pregnancy overweight, the recommended total weight gain is: 15-25 pounds. 
• 
  If you start pregnancy very overweight, the recommended total weight gain is: at least 15 pounds.
•  
  If you are pregnant with twins, the recommended total weight gain is: 35-45 pounds.
• 
  * Women who are shorter than 5'2" should gain weight within the lower ranges. Teenagers and women who smoke should gain weight within the upper ranges. You never want to lose weight while pregnant.  
   
  A Note on the Pyschological Aspects of Pregnancy Weight Changes 
  
   
  The topic of weight and weight gain can be a source of concern and anxiety for some women. However, pregnancy is the ideal time to embrace your body as it gradually changes in shape and size. Remember, pregnancy is a temporary state. With good nutrition and exercise, there is every reason to expect that you will return to your pre-pregnancy weight after your baby is born and your body has recovered from the birth.