Pregnant Vegetarians: Are You Getting Enough?

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Being a vegetarian while pregnant has always been a little concerning for vegetarian mothers-to-be for decades. However, evidence indicates there is nothing to fear as long as you are closely monitoring your consumption and ensuring you are getting the right nutrients for you and your baby.

A vegetarian diet during pregnancy will require:

* An extra 300 calories per day. A healthy pregnancy diet will provide all pregnant women, who are in a healthy weight range, an additional 300 calories daily. To maintain and develop a healthy baby, this is the added energy required.

The growing bones of baby need calcium and it is a vital nutrient for this reason. All pregnant women require 4 serves of calcium daily. A good source of calcium includes tofu, almonds,spinach, broccoli, milk, cheese, cottage cheese, sesame seeds, pulses, kale, yogurt, dried fruits, and whole grain cereals. Calcium is better metabolized and utilzed if accompanied by Vitamin D. Butters, milks, and dairy products that have been fortified with Vitamin D are great selections. * Protein can be found in dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Tofu, cottage cheese, milks, yogurts, cheeses, and tempeh are all excellent sources of protein. Pregnant vegetarian women need approximately 60-70 grams of protein daily.

* Iron. Consuming enough iron can be problematic for pregnant vegetarians. While some plants contain high levels of iron, the iron is not in a form that is as easily absorbed by the human body as the iron found in meat. Iron absorption is enhanced if consumed at the same time as vitamin C. Great plant sources of iron are spinach, other green vegetables, whole legumes and pulses, and dried fruit. If you're feelinhg listless or rundown, you may be anemic. Visit your doctor and ask to have your iron levels checked. Some nutritionists will refer you to iron supplements for vegetarian women but check with your doctor first before starting any supplements.

* Vitamin B12 can be found in eggs, dairy, and yeast products. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the baby's developing tissues and cells. Many cereals and breads have been fortified with Vitamin B12. Yeast extract spreads can also be an excellent source.

Conclusion

A vegetarian pregnancy diet needs to be well balanced and thought out to provide the essential nutritional requirements for a healthy pregnancy. Your medical practitioner or nutritionist should be consulted if you have nagging doubts about the health of you and your baby while pregnant and wanting to remain a vegetarian.

About the Author:
Author Billy Baker has supplied more detail on this page about pregnancy and a vegetarian diet.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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