Should a Pregnant Vegan Stop Being Vegan?

3.12.2009 | By: Z. J.

Many women stop being a vegan once they’re pregnant because they give in to the pressure from doctors and parents. Are there any other possibilities open to a pregnant vegan?

A pregnant vegan is no cause for alarm. (jlp)

Gaining weight

A pregnant vegan can have problems gaining weight. The recommended weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds (11-16 kilograms), for very young (teenage) or skinny mothers even between 31 and 44 pounds (14-20 kilograms). If your weight is increasing too slowly, make sure to eat food with more fat and less fibre.

Protein

A study showed that non-pregnant vegan women eat almost as much protein as they would need during pregnancy. Thus if you're a pregnant vegan and you consume soy products, legumes and hulled wheat, and if your weight is increasing normally and evenly, you have no reason for worry.

Basically the same recommendations apply to vegan and non-vegan mothers. (jlp)

Calcium and vitamin D

In general, a balanced vegan diet ensures enough calcium, but you still have to pay more attention to it during pregnancy. Marine algae are an excellent vegetable source of calcium. Calcium from these organisms can be added to soy milk.

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you get enough vitamin D. In case you're not sure you do, consult your physician about taking supplements for this vitamin.

Iron

Pregnant vegans often lack iron, so they have to resort to supplements. Usually, they have to pay more for an iron supplement that has no traces of animal products. Choose food which is naturally rich with iron, for example any dark green vegetables with leaves, blueberries, dry apricots ...