Pregnancy: Conception – Maternity – Trimester
Folic acid and iron requirements during pregnancy

Folic acid and iron requirements during pregnancy

Why folic acid matters before and during pregnancy Folate is a B vitamin needed for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. In pregnancy, these functions become especially important because the embryo, placenta, uterus, and maternal blood volume are all growing rapidly. Folic acid is the synthetic form used in most supplements and […]

Protein intake during pregnancy: how much is needed

Protein intake during pregnancy: how much is needed

Why protein matters in pregnancy Protein provides amino acids, which are required for maternal tissue expansion and fetal growth. During pregnancy, the body uses amino acids to build and remodel tissues, support enzymes and hormones, maintain immune function, and contribute to the placenta, uterus, breasts, and increased circulating blood proteins. Fetal growth depends on a […]

Macronutrient balance in pregnancy diet

Macronutrient balance in pregnancy diet

Why macronutrient balance matters in pregnancy Pregnancy increases metabolic demands, but the goal is not simply to eat more. The goal is to nourish two interconnected physiologic systems: the pregnant person and the developing fetus. A balanced diet helps support normal gestational weight gain, expansion of maternal blood volume, placental function, fetal tissue accretion, and […]

Calories needed during pregnancy by trimester and weight gain relationship

Calories needed during pregnancy by trimester and weight gain relationship

The basic trimester calorie pattern Pregnancy increases energy requirements because the body is building fetal tissue, placenta, amniotic fluid, expanded maternal blood volume, uterine and breast tissue, and metabolic reserves for late pregnancy and lactation. However, this increase is staged. Early embryonic development is biologically complex, but the absolute energy cost is usually modest in […]