Human Body: Going Vegetarian During Your Pregnancy

And it’s possible to get all the nutrients your body needs during pregnancy through a well-planned, nutrient-vegetarian diet, careful planning and observation will be crucial to the overall success of the transition to vegetarianism during pregnancy.

In other words: take it easy and be smart!

A vegetarian diet has a good variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, lentils, nuts and eggs and milk products or its equivalent if desired. Fast food, highly processed junk foods, and canned fruits and vegetables are eaten little or nothing at all. It is imperative to make wise food choices at this crucial moment, because a pregnant woman only needs about 300 more calories per day and about 10-16 extra grams of protein, but the body’s need for certain nutrients increases significantly . Every bite you take is important when you are pregnant.

While the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for most nutrients increase, especially important are  acid, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12. Attention to adequate amounts of vitamin B-12 is crucial for vegetarians who choose not to eat eggs and dairy products.

Working closely with your health professional during this transition. The change in consumption of meat to a vegetarian diet can be hard on your body as it really goes through a detoxification process during the transition. So you want to make sure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs now and grows and grows at a healthy pace. Start small, perhaps only one or two days a week vegetarian diet.

Gradually work soy and other plant-based protein in their diet, and gradually use them to replace proteins obtained from the consumption of meat products. Be sure to adequately supplement their diet with a quality prenatal supplement, and get a proper amount of exercise and exposure to sunlight to promote your body naturally produces vitamin D.

With careful planning, observation and guidance of health, the transition to vegetarianism during pregnancy can be a clean and healthy start for you and your baby to a lifetime of good health optimal.