MODULE 2: Nutrition and Normal Pregnancy
Nutrient Needs During Pregancy
Diet and Food-Related Concerns
Issues for Specific Groups
Case Examples
References and Resources
Quiz
Several conditions and groups of women present special consideration related to nutrient needs and intake during pregnancy. A few are highlighted in the next few pages.
vegetarian and vegan food patterns
adolescents
overweight
multiparous pregnancies
dieting during pregnancy
Vegetarian and vegan food patterns
Women who consume a vegetarian or vegan food pattern may be at risk for some specific nutrient deficiencies, depending upon the foods and food groups that are avoided. (See Table)
| Food Pattern | Nutrients at Risk | Vegan or Vegetarian Food Sources |
| Lacto- ovo- vegetarian – consumes milk and eggs; avoids meat and fish | Iron | Legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, fortified foods including breads and cereals, dried fruit, nuts, seeds |
| Zinc | Legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, green vegetables, and fortified cereals | |
| Vitamin E | Nuts, seeds, avocado, wheat germ | |
| Lacto-vegetarian – consumes milk; avoids meat, fish, and eggs | Iron, zinc, and vitamin E | (See above) |
| Choline | Soymilk, lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, brussels sprouts | |
| Vegan – consumes only foods of plant origin; avoids meat, fish, eggs, and milk | Iron, zinc, vitamin E, and choline | (See above) |
| Calcium | Green leafy vegetables, fortified soy foods including bread, soy milk, tofu, corn tortillas, fortified juice | |
| Vitamin D | Fortified foods including margarine, breakfast cereals, soy milk, and other soy products; sunlight | |
| Riboflavin | Yeast extract, wheat germ, almonds, soy beans, tempeh, fortified foods, mushrooms, seaweed | |
| Vitamin B12 | Fortified foods, including yeast extract, soy milk, textured soy protein, and breakfast cereals | |
| Iodine | Iodized salt | |
| References: Williamson, 2006; AND, 2014 | ||
Table 2-3. Vegetarian and vegan food patterns
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released a Position Paper stating that a “well-planned vegetarian diet containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can provide adequate nutrition”. (AND, 2016) For those who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet during pregnancy the above nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids are of concern. By staying up-to-date on nutrient content of new fortified vegan food products, providers can give appropriate advice on supplementation. (AND, 2014)
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Last updated: 02/13/2019