The right diet during pregnancy is of particular importance: it should ensure the supply of energy and nutrients to promote the baby‘s growth and development and prevent nutritional deficits in the mother.
Thus, the right choice of foods for an optimal nutrient intake is of particular importance. Experts and the "Public Health Working Group Ernährung" of the Oberster Sanitätsrat (Chief Medical Council) have developed a specific food pyramid for pregnant women, modelled on the Austrian Food Pyramid.
Pregnant women need more energy, but do not have to eat for two! There is an increased calorie demand of about 250 kcal/day during pregnancy. Food with a high nutrient density, such as vegetables and (whole wheat) grains are recommended to cater to this need. There will also be increased demand for protein from the fourth month of pregnancy onwards that can be met with a daily extra portion of milk or dairy products, or by eating one additional portion of fish, lean meat or an extra egg per week.
The need for vitamins (Group B vitamins - vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, folate, niacin - and antioxidant vitamins A, C, E) and minerals (iron, zinc, iodine, phosphorous und magnesium) will increase more than that for additional calories during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period. A sufficient supply of folic acid and other nutrients is important for the child’s optimal growth. The additional intake of supplements should be first discussed with a doctor.
AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety
