This document discusses nutrition recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It notes that teenage mothers under age 16 are at higher risk for anemia, high blood pressure, and STDs. Women over age 35 have increased chances of having a baby with genetic disorders like Down syndrome, as well as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. The document recommends getting adequate carbohydrates, proteins, folate, iron, and other nutrients during pregnancy. It also states that breastfeeding mothers need an extra 500 calories per day for the first six months and 400 calories per day from months 7 to 12 to support breastfeeding. The calcium needs of breastfeeding mothers are also addressed.

1. Recommended Weight Gain During
Pregnancy(Brown & Isaacs 2014)
Risk Factors During Pregnancy for Females
Under Age 16:
*Young mothers are more likely to develop
anemia and high blood pressure.
*Teens are more likely to be exposed to a
sexually transmitted disease (Eunice
Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development 2013).
Risk Factors During Pregnancy for Females
Over Age 35:
*Older moms are more likely to have a baby
with Down’s Syndrome or another genetic
disorder (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National
Institute of Child Health and Human
Development 2013).
*After this age, chances of developing
gestational diabetes or preeclampsia also
increase (Brown & Isaacs 2014).
References
Brown, J., & Isaacs, J. (2014). Nutrition
through the life cycle (5th
ed.). Stamford,
Conn.: CENGAGE Learning.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development.
(2013, October 22). What are the
factors the put a pregnancy at risk?
Retrieved February 21, 2015 from
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/hi
gh-
risk/conditioninfo/Pages/factors.aspx#ag
e
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, March 1). Pregnancy
diet: Focus on these essential nutrients.
Retrieved February 21, 2015 from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-
living/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-
depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082
USCF Benioff Children’s Hospital San
Francisco. (n.d.). Nutrition tips for
breastfeeding mothers. Retrieved
February 21, 2015 from
http://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/educ
ation/nutrition_tips_for_breastfeeding_m
others/
Pregnant?
Breastfeeding?
Be Healthy!
Healthy Babies
Start With You!
Photo courtesy of Shannon Felmey

2. Photo courtesy of choosemyplate.gov
Eating Healthy During Pregnancy
Many nutrients are essential during
pregnancy to be sure that mom and baby
are both healthy. These include:
*Carbohydrates-Be sure to eat at least
175 grams per day, and Intake should be
at least 45%-65%Of total calories.
Choose: fruits, Vegetables, and whole grain
Products with added fiber (Brown & Isaacs
2014).
Eating Healthy During Pregnancy
*Protein-Eat at least 71 grams per day.
Choose: lean meats, eggs, peanut butter,
dried beans.
* Folate-800 micrograms per day is
important before conception and during
pregnancy.
Choose: leafy green vegetables, citrus
fruits, dried beans, peas.
*Iron-Eat at least 27 milligrams per day.
Choose: poultry, fish, vegetables, iron-
fortified breakfast cereals (Mayo Clinic
Staff 2014).
Photo courtesy of www.easybabylife.com
Energy Needs for Breastfeeding Moms:
To meet your body’s demands of
breastfeeding:
* You will need an extra 500 calories per
day during the 1st
six months, and
* You will need an extra 400 calories
per day during months 7-12 (Brown
& Isaacs 2014).
Photo courtesy of www.lunchboxdiet.co.uk
Breastfeeding
Healthy Breastfeeding requires
many nutrients, including
Calcium. The recommended daily
intake of Calcium for breastfeeding
mothers is 1,300 milligrams per
day. Choose foods containing
Calcium, such as milk, yogurt,
hard cheeses, and Calcium-fortified
orange juice (USCF Benioff

3. Children’s Hospital San Francisco
n. d.).