Making decisions about your health, especially what to eat, can feel overwhelming. Maintaining a healthy diet becomes more important during pregnancy as your body supports you and your growing baby.
But with so much conflicting information, knowing what’s best for you and your baby can be hard. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone — plenty of resources can help guide you through healthy eating during pregnancy.
Well Balanced Diet
A healthy pregnancy diet is essential for both you and your baby. According to the Mayo Clinic, the key to good nutrition during pregnancy is balance.
Your meals should include a variety of:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
These nutrients provide the vitamins and minerals your baby needs to grow and help you stay healthy.
Also, make sure to take a daily prenatal vitamin to cover vital nutrition needs like folic acid and iron, which are essential during pregnancy.
Healthy Food Choices for Pregnancy
Calcium is essential for your baby’s bone and teeth development while supporting many bodily systems. Dairy products are the best sources, but you can choose non-dairy options like broccoli, kale, and calcium-fortified juices and cereals.
Many women take iron supplements during pregnancy due to increased iron needs. If you must take an iron supplement based on your doctor’s recommendation, make sure to space when you eat calcium-rich foods and take the supplement to get the full benefit of the iron.
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber to support your baby’s development and keep your digestive system healthy. Along with these, whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa provide lasting energy and essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins.
Lean proteins, found in foods like chicken, beans, and fish, play a key role in building your baby’s tissues and organs, while healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts are vital for brain development.
Together, these nutrients form the foundation of a well-balanced pregnancy diet.
Accessing Nutrition Support and Resources
If you’re concerned about accessing healthy foods or affording nutritious meals during pregnancy, Missouri’s Alternatives to Abortion Program is a valuable resource.
Our program can help you access our state’s food stamps program (SNAP) and connect you with local providers who specialize in food/nutrition support for pregnant women.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone — with the right support, you can ensure both you and your baby are well-nourished and healthy.
Find a local Missouri provider today by selecting your county from the dropdown.
Contact us for more information about Missouri’s Alternatives to Abortion Program. You can also email us with any questions.
