Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy Nutrition
Navigate every stage of your pregnancy with confidence. Get evidence-based, trimester-specific nutrition advice to support you and your baby's health.
Nutrition by Trimester
Your nutritional needs change as your baby grows. Discover what to focus on during each unique stage of your pregnancy.
- FolateCrucial for preventing neural tube defects.
- IronSupports placenta and red blood cell production.
- CholineImportant for baby’s brain and spinal cord development.
- CalciumEssential for baby’s developing bones and teeth.
- Vitamin DAids calcium absorption and bone growth.
- Omega-3 (DHA)Supports baby’s brain and eye development.
- ProteinSupports final growth spurt and prepares for labor.
- Vitamin KImportant for blood clotting after birth.
- More IronBuilds up baby’s iron stores for the first few months of life.
Essential Nutrients Guide
A closer look at the powerhouse nutrients that fuel a healthy pregnancy. Understand why they matter and where to find them.
Prevents neural tube defects.
Daily Intake:
600 mcg DFE
Best Food Sources:
Prevents anemia, supports baby & placenta.
Daily Intake:
27 mg
Best Food Sources:
Builds baby’s bones and teeth.
Daily Intake:
1,000 mg
Best Food Sources:
Aids calcium absorption.
Daily Intake:
600 IU
Best Food Sources:
Crucial for baby’s brain and eye development.
Daily Intake:
200 mg
Best Food Sources:
Essential for growth of fetal tissue, including the brain.
Daily Intake:
71 g
Best Food Sources:
Food Safety During Pregnancy
Knowing what to eat is important, but knowing how to eat it safely is crucial. Protect yourself and your baby with these guidelines.
High-Mercury Fish
Why: Can harm baby’s developing nervous system.
E.g., Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish.
Unpasteurized Dairy & Juices
Why: Risk of Listeria, a harmful bacteria.
E.g., Soft cheeses (Brie, Feta, Camembert) unless labeled "pasteurized".
Raw or Undercooked Meat & Eggs
Why: Risk of Salmonella, E. coli, and Toxoplasmosis.
E.g., Rare steaks, homemade Caesar dressing, raw cookie dough.
Deli Meats & Hot Dogs
Why: Risk of Listeria. Must be heated until steaming hot.
E.g., Cold cuts, paté, refrigerated smoked seafood.
Raw Sprouts
Why: Bacteria can be present inside the seeds.
E.g., Alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts.
Myth: You can't drink coffee.
Fact: Moderate caffeine intake (under 200mg/day, about one 12-oz cup) is generally considered safe.
Myth: All sushi is off-limits.
Fact: Sushi with cooked seafood or vegetarian rolls are safe. Raw fish carries a risk of parasites and bacteria.
Common Concerns Answered
Got questions? We’ve got science-backed answers. Here are some of the most common nutrition-related concerns during pregnancy.
Weekly Nutrition Tips
Stay informed with our latest articles, offering practical advice and insights for every week of your pregnancy journey.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Simplify your nutrition with our FREE Pregnancy Nutrition Checklist. This downloadable PDF makes it easy to track key nutrients and make healthy choices every day.
Sign up in our weekly tips form to get your checklist!