Nutrition Q & A
Can I Follow a Vegetarian Diet if I’m Pregnant?
Well-planned vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate and provide many health benefits during all states of the lifecycle including pregnancy.
Following a well-planned vegetarian diet during pregnancy will result in positive outcomes for both mothers and infants. The dietary requirements are the same for vegetarian and non-vegetarian except for the iron recommendation which is higher for vegetarians.
Other key nutrients that may need to be supplemented during pregnancy include B12, folate and vitamin D. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements. To help you plan a healthy vegetarian diet for pregnancy, consult with a registered dietitian.
Learn More About This Topic
Vegetarian Lifestyle »