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Proper Nutrition Pre- and Post-Pregnancy

Why Eating Right Is Key to Pregnancy Preparation and Recovery

By Crystal Patriarche

When reading food labels to evaluate vitamin content, it's important to know what you are looking at – or what you shouldn't look at. "If you are looking at labels for folate, you might not see it," says Bloom. "It's not required on a label. Iron, calcium, vitamins A and C are required and are listed as a percentage of daily value."

So if the label reads 4 percent of iron in one serving, remember it means 4 percent of iron you need all day but for a non-pregnant person. In the case of iron, your need doubles during pregnancy, so you need to double that value, says Bloom.

"Food labels are so overwhelming and there is too much on there, you don't need to read half of it," says Britvan. She says that you do not even need to look at the percentages on the right. The percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet for the general population and not everyone needs that. Most women need 1,500 to 1,800 calories, so the percentages are very individual, she says.

According to Britvan, the most important thing is serving size and servings per container.

According to Bloom, many of the recommended daily doses of vitamins for women are not that different before, during or after pregnancy. With a few exceptions like folic acid and iron (which both increase during pregnancy), women need and should be cognizant of their diet and vitamin intake on a daily basis.

"After pregnancy, getting your energy back is about sleep as much as nutrition, so stick to the same concepts as when you're not pregnant," says Bloom. "Eat often. Food is fuel, so [you've] got to be eating and sleep is a big issue. Your body has just gone through some major stuff."

Bloom says women should always try to eat well, sleep well and exercise if possible. "To me, this is the most basic advice women need," she says.