For pregnant teens, getting the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals can be a challenge, especially if their diets were nutritionally poor prior to their pregnancy. In addition, other lifestyle factors, including low income and drug abuse, may limit pregnant teens' access to healthier foods. However, a few simple changes can improve the outcomes for both mom and baby.
Avoiding Anemia
Pregnant teens are at a higher risk than their adult counterparts for developing anemia during pregnancy. This is partially because teens are at risk for anemia even when they are not pregnant, and partially because their recommended iron requirements increase as a pregnancy continues. A pregnant teen who was anemic prior to her pregnancy has lower iron stores in her body. Additionally, the amount of iron required during the second and third trimesters may be difficult to obtain through diet alone. Teens can avoid anemia complications by taking a prenatal vitamin and eating iron-rich foods such as leafy greens and fortified cereals. Additionally, the University of Minnesota recommends combining prenatal vitamins or iron-rich foods with foods high in vitamin C, which can increase absorption.
The Calcium Issue
Another potential problem for pregnant teens is bone density loss. Pregnant teens are still developing their own bones, yet their fetuses require calcium as their skeletons begin to take shape. Teens who are already deficient in calcium and those who do not take in the recommended daily requirement, which is around 800 to 1,000mg daily, may lose bone density as their fetus has to take calcium from somewhere. The University of Minnesota recommends teens replace sodas with milk, or add slices of cheese and yogurt to their diets.
What About Protein?
Protein intake can be a problem among teens who are pregnant, simply because many can't afford the high-quality sources necessary for pregnancy. Because protein cannot be found in a prenatal vitamin, and because many teens tend to limit their protein intake, other supplements such as protein shakes may be necessary. Pregnant teens can also increase the amount of lean meats and eggs they eat. While this can be a challenge for some, the University of Minnesota reports that most pregnant teens are able to achieve their daily recommended amount.
Other Important Foods
Because teens do not have strong nutritional diets, they must often make changes when they become pregnant. First, they may need to eat smaller and more frequent meals. Second, they need to increase their daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which are high in the vitamins necessary for pregnancy. Third, they should focus on increasing their fiber and water intake, which can help prevent constipation. And finally, they should ensure they eat enough good fats every day, such as olive oil, peanut butter and fish.
Warning
Both the World Health Organization and MedlinePlus report that pregnant teens are less likely to have healthy pregnancies, and are at a higher risk for birth complications. These include premature birth, low birth weight and a higher mortality rate for both mom and baby. Eating well can help prevent some of these complications. Because pregnant teens have different needs than the average pregnant woman, they may need to take additional supplements. It is important they check in regularly with their doctors and report what they eat.
