[General nutrition of pregnant women]

The ideal weight gain during pregnancy is approximately 9 to 12 kilos. The energetic intake should not be very high (+250 kcal at term). The protein consumption during pregnancy is low during the first trimester. A 10 to 20 g daily increase in the diet, from the 3rd month, suffices to cover the requirements and provide the supplemental calories necessary to the intake. Meat should be left in the diet, at least two or three times per week as it supplies iron and vitamin B12; fish should also be preferred because of its low content in rich fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bread and starches are often wrongly rejected. Sweets taken between meals are most of the time responsible for excessive weight gain because of their high hyperinsulinemic properties. Animal lipids are digested slowly and with difficulty. Their consumption should be restricted and vegetal oils rich in polyunsaturated fats used instead. Fruit and vegetables must provide abundant amounts of vegetal fibers, minerals and vitamins. Sufficient water intake and proper feeding rhythms are absolutely necessary to a good progression and comfort of the pregnancy.