vegetarian moms.....were you vegetarian while pregnant, and did you have to change your diet at all??

Question

i've been a vegetarian for nearly 20 yrs....my husband and i would like a baby.....will i need to do anything different diet wise???? thanks

Answer 1

Just monitor your iron intake and combine high iron foods (beans and grains) with Vitamin C foods. Also don't drink tea or coffee with meals.

Since you said vegetarian I assume you eat dairy; therefore Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D won't be a problem at all.

Answer 2

The only thing I -- a pregnant vegetarian -- am at all concerned about are the omega 3s, 6s, and 9s. I'm no expert, but: the importance of each seems to go down as their numbers go up, if that follows -- 3 seems to be the critcal one.

There're some interesting studies on those and fetal development, all positive; most interestingly, there does seem to be a correlation between maternal intake and the child's IQ.

"Those infants whose mothers had been supplemented with DHA and EPA containing oils showed higher mental performance scores as compared to those infants whose mothers had not been supplemented."

http://www.healthbrands.com.au/topics/kids/news/child/childrens+iq+may+improve+with+omega+3.htm

See also:

http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/o3mchsum.htm
http://omega-research.com/researchview.php?ID=211&catid=7

I've _never_ eaten meat, seafood, or poultry, and the _only_ diet-related suggestion I've ever had from a doctor was to 'eat those new eggs with the added omega-3s.' From more than one doctor. Oddly enough.

Spend the extra $ for the above-mentioned eggs, start dumping flax oil in your food, etc. There're supplements with the 3, 6, and 9 that're vegetarian -- not cheap, though, but I don't think even omnivores like fish oil...

Of course, the usual pre-natal multivitamin supplement and a good balanced diet too and blah blah blah, but you knew that already. There're entire books out there on the topic of vegetarian pregnancies, but -- well, go to the library if you're curious; they're not worth buying -- just pretty basic banter about a balanced diet, with extra worry for vegans.

Answer 3

No you do not have to modify your diet just because you are vegetarian. Just make sure you are getting the daily recommended intake for protien, veggies, fruit, grains, etc. Make sure you take your prenatal vitamin also. Your baby will actually be healthier because you are consuming a vegetarian diet. If you go organic as well that is even better! See the below websites for even more information.

http://www.babycenter.com/expert/2286.html
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregnancynutrition/1313874.html
http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/vegpreg.htm

There are many, many more resources on the web too.

Answer 4

No. I was veg for 12 yrs b4 having kids. Then had 2 babies, back to back, 18 mos apart, and was veg the entire time. I did up my consumption of dairy a little but otherwise I was fine.

Generally, a developing baby doesn't have very high nutritional needs. They WILL get everything they need from your body. YOU have to watch to make sure your own body is well nourished and not depleted by the baby. Babies are the ultimate parasite so focus on YOUR nutritional needs.

Answer 5

Hi, the only thing I did when I was pregnant (and vegetarian) was to make sure that I had a balanced diet. I tried to eat foods rich in iron as I was expecting twins and high fibre foods as I was on iron tablets. I also made sure I had vitamen C to help me to absorb the iron better. I was still low in iron after I had the babies but apparantely this is commen when you have twins. If you want info on nutrition you may wish to read this article : http://www.recipesforvegans.co.uk/vegannutrition.html

Answer 6

Just make sure your diet is complete. Iron, protien and B-complex.
Been a vegitarian 32 years and I've had two kids. The children will thank you later, much much later. Read Daniel chapter 1

Answer 7

genuinely. that is greater helpful to feed your infant healthful end result, vegetables and plant based proteins than cheeseburgers. communicate to a dietitian in case you could, however the ADA says a vegetarian food habitual is super for all ranges of existence which contains being pregnant.

Answer 8

If you are getting enough essential vitamins in your diet there is no need to change what you eat. Prenatal vitamins are recommended to get the extras you dont get with your daily diet.

Answer 9

even though i'm still a teen and don't plan to have a child anytime soon i would say consult your doctor. ask for adive and a diet plan.

but if you are getting enough nutrients i see no problem.

Answer 10

I got laughed at for being a vegetarian and they are some of the healthiest people. Although Tuna doesnt appeal to me its very important for babys brain developement. Try it in a cassarole. Lots of pasta!