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Recommended Daily Allowances During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

What to Eat: Recommended Daily Intake During Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy diet is paramount when you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Experts suggest you eat a variety of healthy foods and take a daily prenatal vitamin recommended by your health care provider to help fill in nutritional gaps. We've all heard (or said!) the excuse, "I'm eating for two," but the reality is most pregnant or nursing women are advised to consume 300 extra calories a day (400 while nursing). That being said, I think it's most realistic to treat yourself and give in to cravings as long as it's in moderation.

To see a detailed chart breakdown of daily allowances, read more.

Recommended Daily Allowances from A.D.A.M

Nutrient Non-pregnant Women Pregnant Women Lactating Women Function
Kilocalories 2200 2500 2600 Provides energy for basic body functioning
Vitamin A (micrograms=mcg) 700 770 1300 Aids vision; needed for growth of bones and teeth
Vitamin B6 (milligrams=mg) 1.5 1.9 2.0 Aids in the formation of red blood cells
Vitamin B12 (mcg) 2.4 2.6 2.8 Aids in the formation of red blood cells
Vitamin D (mcg) 5 5 5 Aids in the growth of bones and teeth
Iodine (mcg) 150 220 290 Required for hormone production
Protein (grams=g) 38 50 60 Needed for overall health and growth; aids in blood production and supplies the "building blocks" for your baby's body
Thiamin (mg) 1.1 1.4 1.4 Helps the body digest carbohydrates