Daily Pregnancy Nutrition Requirements
Nutritional needs increase significantly during pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy. Understanding specific nutrient requirements and food sources can help pregnant women formulate scientific dietary plans.
Macronutrient Requirements
Protein
Pregnancy Requirements
- First Trimester: 55 g/day
- Second Trimester: 70 g/day
- Third Trimester: 85 g/day
- Lactation: 90 g/day
Functions of Protein
- Constitutes fetal tissues and organs
- Maintains maternal tissue growth
- Promotes hemoglobin synthesis
- Enhances immune function
Quality Protein Sources
- Animal Protein: Chicken, pork, beef, fish
- Eggs: Chicken eggs, duck eggs (1-2 per day)
- Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, cheese
- Plant Protein: Tofu, soy milk, red beans, mung beans
Protein Intake Advice
- Have protein foods at every meal
- Quality protein should account for more than 2/3 of total protein
- Avoid excessive protein intake to reduce burden on kidneys
- Pay attention to protein complementarity
Carbohydrates
Pregnancy Requirements
- Percentage of Total Energy: 50-60%
- First Trimester: About 200-250 g/day
- Second Trimester: About 250-300 g/day
- Third Trimester: About 300-350 g/day
Functions of Carbohydrates
- Main energy source
- Maintains blood sugar stability
- Provides energy for the brain
- Protein-sparing effect
Quality Carbohydrate Sources
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats
- Mixed Beans: Red beans, mung beans, black beans
- Tubers: Sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, potatoes
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges
Carbohydrate Intake Advice
- Choose complex carbohydrates mainly
- Limit simple sugars and refined sugars intake
- Pay attention to dietary fiber intake
- Avoid drastic blood sugar fluctuations
Fats
Pregnancy Requirements
- Percentage of Total Energy: 25-35%
- First Trimester: 50-55 g/day
- Second Trimester: 60-65 g/day
- Third Trimester: 70-75 g/day
Functions of Fats
- Provide essential fatty acids
- Promote absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Support fetal brain development
- Maintain hormone balance
Quality Fat Sources
- Monounsaturated Fats: Olive oil, tea oil, peanut oil
- Polyunsaturated Fats: Deep-sea fish, walnuts, flaxseeds
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon, sardines, walnuts
- DHA: Fish oil, algae oil
Fat Intake Advice
- Limit saturated fats and trans fats
- Consume essential fatty acids in moderation
- Pay attention to cholesterol intake (<300 mg/day)
- Choose healthy oils when cooking
Vitamin Requirements
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A
- Daily Requirement: 770 mcg RAE
- Function: Visual development, immune function, cell differentiation
- Food Sources:
- Animal: Animal liver, egg yolks, dairy products
- Plant: Carrots, pumpkin, spinach, mango
- Notes: Avoid overdose, supplementation needs doctor's guidance
Vitamin D
- Daily Requirement: 600 IU
- Function: Promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption, skeletal development
- Food Sources:
- Rich foods: Deep-sea fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy products
- Other sources: Moderate sun exposure
- Notes: Supplementation is needed when sunlight exposure is insufficient
Vitamin E
- Daily Requirement: 15 mg
- Function: Antioxidant, protects cell membranes
- Food Sources: Nuts, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables
- Notes: Generally not easy to lack
Vitamin K
- Daily Requirement: 90 mcg
- Function: Blood coagulation, bone metabolism
- Food Sources: Green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, fermented foods
Water-Soluble Vitamins
B Vitamins
Folic Acid (B9)
- Daily Requirement: 600 mcg
- Function: Prevents neural tube defects, DNA synthesis
- Food Sources: Dark green vegetables, legumes, fortified foods
- Supplement Advice: Start supplementing 3 months before pregnancy
Vitamin B1
- Daily Requirement: 1.4 mg
- Function: Energy metabolism, nervous system function
- Food Sources: Whole grains, lean meat, legumes
Vitamin B2
- Daily Requirement: 1.4 mg
- Function: Energy metabolism, skin and mucous membrane health
- Food Sources: Dairy products, lean meat, green leafy vegetables
Vitamin B6
- Daily Requirement: 1.9 mg
- Function: Protein metabolism, hemoglobin synthesis
- Food Sources: Meat, fish, bananas, potatoes
Vitamin B12
- Daily Requirement: 2.6 mcg
- Function: Myelin sheath formation, red blood cell maturation
- Food Sources: Animal foods, vegetarians need supplements
Vitamin C
- Daily Requirement: 85 mg
- Function: Collagen synthesis, iron absorption, immunity
- Food Sources: Citrus fruits, kiwi, green peppers, broccoli
- Notes: Water-soluble, needs daily replenishment
Mineral Requirements
Macro Minerals
Calcium
- Daily Requirement: 1000-1200 mg
- Function: Fetal skeletal development, maintains maternal bone density
- Food Sources:
- Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cheese
- Soy products: Tofu, soy milk, sesame
- Vegetables: Bok choy, rape, mustard greens
- Absorption Promotion: Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption
Phosphorus
- Daily Requirement: 700 mg
- Function: Skeletal development, energy metabolism
- Food Sources: Dairy products, meat, fish, nuts
Potassium
- Daily Requirement: 2900 mg
- Function: Maintains electrolyte balance, nerve conduction
- Food Sources: Bananas, potatoes, spinach, legumes
Sodium
- Daily Requirement: 1500-2300 mg
- Function: Maintains fluid balance, nerve conduction
- Notes: Avoid excess, prevent high blood pressure
Magnesium
- Daily Requirement: 350-400 mg
- Function: Skeletal development, muscle relaxation, enzyme activation
- Food Sources: Nuts, whole grains, green leafy vegetables
Trace Minerals
Iron
- Daily Requirement: 27 mg
- Function: Prevents anemia, oxygen transport
- Food Sources:
- Animal: Red meat, animal liver, blood products
- Plant: Spinach, black fungus, red dates, legumes
- Absorption Promotion: Eat with Vitamin C to promote absorption
Zinc
- Daily Requirement: 11-15 mg
- Function: Fetal growth, immune function, wound healing
- Food Sources: Lean meat, seafood, nuts, whole grains
Iodine
- Daily Requirement: 220 mcg
- Function: Thyroid hormone synthesis, nervous system development
- Food Sources: Kelp, seaweed, iodized salt, marine fish
Selenium
- Daily Requirement: 60 mcg
- Function: Antioxidant, thyroid function
- Food Sources: Brazil nuts, seafood, meat
Water Requirements
Pregnancy Water Needs
- First Trimester: 2000-2500 ml/day
- Second Trimester: 2300-2800 ml/day
- Third Trimester: 2500-3000 ml/day
- Lactation: 3000-3500 ml/day
Functions of Water
- Maintains blood volume
- Promotes waste excretion
- Prevents constipation
- Maintains amniotic fluid volume
- Regulates body temperature
Water Sources
- Plain Water: Best choice
- Light Tea: Green tea, chrysanthemum tea
- Soups: Various nutritious soups
- Fruits: Fruits with high water content
Drinking Advice
- Drink small amounts frequently, don't wait until thirsty
- Avoid drinking large amounts at once
- Reduce water intake 2 hours before bedtime
- Replenish water in time when exercising
Sample Daily Pregnancy Diet Plan
First Trimester Diet Plan
Breakfast (500-600 calories)
- Staple: 2 slices of whole wheat bread or 1 bowl of oatmeal
- Protein: 1 egg or 250 ml milk
- Fruit: 1 apple or 1 banana
- Nuts: 2-3 walnuts
Morning Snack (200-300 calories)
- 1 cup yogurt or 1 serving fruit
- Small amount of nuts
Lunch (600-700 calories)
- Staple: 1 bowl of brown rice
- Protein: 100g lean meat or 100g fish
- Vegetables: 200g green leafy vegetables
- Soup: 1 bowl of light soup
Afternoon Snack (200-300 calories)
- A few whole wheat crackers
- 1 serving fruit
Dinner (500-600 calories)
- Staple: Moderate amount of noodles or rice
- Protein: Moderate amount of tofu or meat
- Vegetables: Mix of various vegetables
- Soup: 1 bowl of nutritious soup
Second Trimester Diet Plan
Basically the same as the first trimester, but:
- Increase protein and calorie intake
- Increase dairy intake
- Supplement iron-rich foods
- Pay attention to DHA intake
Third Trimester Diet Plan
- Further increase calories and protein
- Focus on calcium and iron supplementation
- Control carbohydrate quality
- Pay attention to small frequent meals to reduce gastric discomfort
Friendly Reminder: Nutritional needs vary from person to person, the above are general suggestions. If you have special health conditions or questions, please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor.