• Fetal growth and pregnancy demand additional nutrients
• Prominent changes during pregnancy
• Uterus enlarges and strengthens
• Blood volume increases to carry extra nutrients and material
• Joints become more flexible
• Feel swelling in response to estrogen hormone as fluid retention helps in delivery.
• Breast enlargement for the preparation of milk.

Energy:

The metabolic rate increase by 15 % in pregnancy. Nutritionally dense foods are more required than energy needs.

The 2002 DRIs for energy are

• 1st trimester                                              0 kcal/day
• 2nd trimester                                           +340 kcal/day
• 3rd trimester                                            +450 kcal/day
• Whole grain cereals
• Legumes
• Dark green vegetables
• Citrus fruits
• Low-fat milk and milk products
• High-fiber foods

Protein

• First half of pregnancy                                  0.66 g/kg/day
• Second half of pregnancy                             71 g/day
• During the entire pregnancy                             +25 g/day

Get enough protein intake by selecting

• Meat
• Milk products
• Plant foods such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds

Essential fatty acids:

• Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are important to the growth and development of the fetus.
• Brain depends upon omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for its growth and for eyes.