Many people believe during pregnancy, you have to eat for two. This just isn’t true though. A woman does have to provide good nutrition for two people though. The baby growing gets all its nutrients from you through the umbilical cord. This makes your prenatal food choices very important. If you don’t get the right amount of vitamins and minerals, your baby will be without them as well.

A good diet will have something from all food groups. You need to eat something from these food groups every day to make sure you are getting the right amount of nutrients. Good prenatal food choices are dairy products, fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, fat and carbohydrates. Make sure to talk with your doctor or dietitian about your nutrient needs throughout pregnancy.

Here is a list of 5 foods every pregnant woman should be getting:

1. Yogurt – This is a great source fo calcium. It actually has more calcium than milk. It is also a great source of protein and has active bacteria which reduce the risk of yeast infections, which are common while your pregnant. If you are lactose intolerant, you have a better chance of tolerating yogurt.
2. Lentils – These are a great source of folate and have quite a bit of iron. Like beans, they also have a good amoutn of protein. They’re also loaded with fiber, which can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
3. Broccoli – This vegetable is full of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate. It’s also well known for being a great source of calcium. It also is rumored to have cancer fighting properties.
4. Sweet Potatoes – These tasty treats are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. They are much better for you than your common white potato.
5. Nuts – Eat these while you are on the run or as a quick snack anytime of the day. They contain a good amount of vitamins and minerals as well as essential fats and proteins. Almonds are good for extra vitamin E and manganese. Cashews just taste great and have a good amount of manganese.

Any prenatal food listed above should be in your dietary plan. They will be a great help to providing you and your baby all the nutrients you both need.

Eating quality foods like the ones I talked about are essential for making your pregnancy easier and making sure you’re going to be one hot mama during and after pregnancy. Keeping to a healthy diet means you might have to avoid the bad pregnancy craving too.

I'm 36 weeks so I don't have much time to add the lentils but I've been eating yogurt like it's going out of style! Seriously, I eat a large tub every day. I eat the plain probiotic kind. I can't stand milk so I started with the yogurt and I just can't get enough. Yummmmm......

That's great. Yogurt is delicious and perfect for getting your calcium and protein.

Is there something I can change the nuts with and get the same or almost the same amount of nutrience? I really don't like nuts...and am a bit allergic to some. Also, if I drink enough milk can it substitute for the yogurt? I also really don't like yogurt but I drink soooo much milk. I actually only drink milk and water.

thanks for the good info!

Try ice cream. It will give you the essential calcium and protein just like nuts, milk, or yogurt. The yogurt is really good for adding the healthy bacteria to your gut though.

Beans and lentils are great to use instead of nuts. You will want to get some omega fatty acids as well. Try a couple servings of fish a week.