Organic Fruits & Vegetables

A rich amount of organic fruits and vegetables, in order to avoid pesticides and other chemicals, which can interfere with the development of the endocrine, immune and neurological systems[3], is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Calcium, which many believe necessitates the consumption of dairy products, can actually be found at abundant levels in seaweed (10x the amount of calcium found in milk) as well as nuts, grains, beans and many vegetables (for example parsley which contains almost 2x the amount of calcium found in milk).[4] Seaweed is also very important for getting the trace minerals such as zinc, copper, iodine, etc.[5] Consuming large quantities of leafy greens will support your baby’s cognitive development, by ensuring that you are taking in enough iron.[6]

Raw-Live Foods

Raw foods, even sprouted seeds and grains, provide an enhanced level of nutrient and vitamin content.  Food based supplements as well as superfoods (goji berries, bee pollen which are complete protein sources as well as maca, which is great for the production of breast milk and protein) are excellent for pregnancy. Omega 3-s found in flax seed and krill oil (non-vegan, but an excellent source) are the essential fatty acids required for healthy brain development and proper development of the nervous and immune systems.[7]

B-12 & Folic Acid

Vegan and vegetarian soon-to-be moms should also be sure to supplement their diet with the appropriate levels of B-12 & Folic Acid. B12 is responsible for red blood cell production, cell division and helping to prevent heart disease. It is also necessary for growth and development (making it extremely important during pregnancy and nursing), the health of both the nervous and immune systems, and protecting and optimizing brain function (memory, concentration, etc.). Folic acid is said to impact intelligence and the health of your baby later in life.[8]

As a final note of caution, I will say that if you are going to make extreme dietary changes, it’s best to begin making those changes before pregnancy rather then after becoming pregnant. For example, a detoxification or cleanse with raw foods and juices can be ideal for achieving optimal health pre-pregnancy. However, any form of heavy detoxification or fasting during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing fetus. This is because a detox stimulates the release of toxins, pesticides and other chemicals that are present in the body, which tend to get released into the blood stream during this process.

Even so, adding more healthy foods to your diet as mentioned above will be extremely beneficial for both mother and child if introduced slowly and intelligently.