According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, oils and fats provide important nutrients. The fats that you should eat during pregnancy can provide energy, build fetal organs, and the placenta. Most of the fats and oils you consume should come from plant sources.

What is folic acid and how much do I need daily?

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is beneficial for pregnant women. Before pregnancy and during pregnancy, those who are pregnant need 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent birth defects of the fetal brain and spine called neural tube defects.

Why is iron important during pregnancy and how much do I need to consume every day?

During pregnancy, you need double the amount of iron that a nonpregnant woman needs. This extra iron helps your body make more blood to supply oxygen to your fetus. The daily recommended dose of iron during pregnancy is 27 mg, which is found in most prenatal vitamin supplements or you can eat iron-rich foods, including fish, dried beans, iron-filled cereals, or prune juice.

Why is vitamin D important and how much do I need to eat during pregnancy?

Vitamin D works with calcium to help the fetus’s bones and teeth develop, and healthy skin and eyesight. All women, including those who are pregnant, need 600 units of vitamin D a day.

Can being overweight or even obese affect my pregnancy?

Overweight and obese women are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. Babies born of overweight or obese women are also at a greater risk of certain problems like birth defects or childhood obesity.

Can drinking caffeine affect my pregnancy?

While there have been many studies on whether caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage, the results are inconclusive. Most experts say that consuming fewer than 200 mg of caffeine or one 12-ounce cup of coffee a day during pregnancy is generally safe.