The New “Rules” of Eating When You’re Pregnant

The most important part of any pregnancy diet is to feed yourself, says Jarosh. Diet culture (the toxic idea that there’s a “right” way to eat, and that we’re all supposed to look slim) would have us believe that we should be eating as little as possible and only when we’re really hungry. If there’s ever a time to throw that standard out, it’s when you’re doubling your blood volume, growing a whole new organ, and creating an entire person — all while going through the daily struggles of just being human, says Jarosh. Bottom line: Food is energy and should help you feel good, so fuel up frequently.

Snacking and eating smaller meals may be your moves if big meals are off the table during this time, whether that’s because you’re nauseous AF or your growing baby is shrinking the space in your abdomen, says Jarosh. Having yogurt, string cheese or mixed nuts on deck can keep you satisfied and help you get fixes of key nutrients like calcium and protein. Or steal a trick from Amanda Williams, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn in Oakland, California: Cut a sandwich into triangles, and try to eat one triangle every couple of hours with fruit.

Throughout the day, work in veggies like broccoli and cauliflower for fiber and folate (add hummus to make it a snack). Cold-water fatty fish are also pregnancy powerhouses (thank you, omega-3s), so fork into a tuna salad (light tuna is best to avoid high mercury levels, per the FDA) or some salmon when you’re ready for a bigger plate.

If you have trouble listening to your hunger cues or you’re so busy you ignore them, you can always set a schedule to make sure you nourish yourself on the reg.

While the science jury’s still out on exactly why you might be fiending for fried anything at 7 am, it’s normal. And according to Ryann Kipping, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the founder of the Prenatal Nutrition Library, “this is a time more than ever to tune into your body, because our bodies are really smart, and they will tell us what we need.”

If you’re typically plant-based but all you want is a juicy steak (it happens to the best of us), Jarosh says your body might be telling you to up your iron levels (remember that blood volume thing?). So if you’re comfortable working meat into your diet, give yourself permission. If not, try tofu, tempeh, legumes, cashews or dried fruit. Pro tip: Combining those with vitamin C–rich foods, like tomatoes and spinach, can boost iron absorption.

If your sugar cravings seem extra compared to your prepregnancy self, it might be a sign that you’re either not eating enough food or not eating enough carbs specifically, both of which can lead to a blood sugar imbalance, says Jarosh. When you aren’t getting enough fat, protein and carbs, your energy levels can plummet, and your body will ask you for the quickest hit: sugar. No need to feel guilty or deprive yourself of the sweet stuff. But if you’re reaching for sugar all the time, try adding, say, cheese to your sandwiches or chicken to your pasta and see if a better balance of nutrients helps you feel more even-keeled overall.

No one gets pregnant for the nausea, heartburn and constipation, but they tend to come with the territory.

If morning sickness is getting the best of you, protein-rich foods can bring some relief by — you guessed it — stabilizing your blood sugar, says Kipping. The catch? Protein is usually the last thing you want when you’re queasy (of course). Getting enough of it when you’re feeling good (and getting it first thing in the morning) can help stave off nausea, says Kipping. Try eggs, which are packed with not only protein but also choline, folate, B vitamins and healthy fat, all of which are essential to pregnancy.

One heave away from throwing up? Put cheese or peanut butter on a cracker, says Jarosh. Nausea can make carbs sound like the most appealing food, so enhance them with that hit of helpful protein. If you struggle with heartburn, skipping liquids during meals; getting up to move after you eat; and having smaller, more frequent meals can help extinguish the fire. For constipation, beans and lentils are your new best friend (no explanation needed).

You can’t nourish your body without nourishing your relationship with your body. The No. 1 place to start, says Jarosh, is social media. Most of us are consuming more messages than food, so make sure you’re smashing the unfollow button on any account that feeds into that toxic diet culture, sends unrealistic or unpleasant messages about pregnant or postpartum bodies, or makes you feel judged for your eating choices. Then take a look at who you’re surrounding yourself with IRL. If their approach to wellness is (even unintentionally) making you feel crappy, it’s OK to take a step back.


Above all else, remember that this is your body and your pregnancy. Trusting yourself can keep you from fearing food and help you start enjoying the journey, one bite at a time.