Pregnancy

Importance of Body Weight and BMI Prior to Conception

Body weight is an important consideration for health outcomes. BMI is used to assess if a woman is overweight, underweight, or at a healthy weight for her height.

Safe Exercise During Pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy is safe and very beneficial for both mom and baby. It is generally recommended to get 20-30 minutes of physical activity most day of the week. Any activities that were frequently done prior to pregnancy are safe to continue.

7 Tips for a Healthy Vegan Pregnancy

Vegan and expecting? Here are your top tips for a healthy vegan pregnancy!

Getting Enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids on a Vegan Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health in all stages of life, including infancy. DHA and EPA are particularly important forms of omega-3s that should be supplemented during pregnancy and breastfeeding by vegans and others who do not consume fish.

Supplementing with Iodine During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Adequate iodine intake is important for proper thyroid function. It can be easy to get from iodized salt and seaweed, but vegans still tend to be deficient. Given the importance of iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is recommended to supplement with 150 mcg per day.

Calcium Intake for Women

Calcium plays an important role in our bone health and supports other basic functions in the body. A healthful plant-based diet can provide sufficient calcium for most women, but those who fall short in their dietary intake may benefit from a supplement.