A pregnant teenager has to meet the dual challenges of nourishing her still-developing body while growing a healthy baby. The nutritional demands of a pregnant adolescent must be met thoroughly and creatively. Have a nutrition plan in place that accounts for your specific needs for protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals, as well as provides food that appeals to a teenager's palate.
Weight Gain
The average pregnant woman needs to consume an extra 300 calories per day. However, teenagers who are underweight or overweight prior to pregnancy may need more or less than this amount. Ask your doctor or midwife for specific guidelines about how much weight to gain during your pregnancy.
Calcium
A growing teen needs calcium to strengthen her bones for the rest of her life. A growing baby will take the calcium it needs from its mother, so a pregnant teen must make calcium a priority. Milk and other dairy products are important sources of calcium. You can get additional calcium by sprinkling low-fat or skim shredded cheese to salads or burritos. Buy calcium-fortified cereals and orange juice. Saute chopped leafy green vegetables and mix them into pasta sauces or scrambled eggs.
Iron
Iron carries oxygen in your red blood cells. Pregnant women can become anemic easily, and dietary iron is key to reducing fatigue and other complications. Important dietary sources of iron include red meat, leafy green vegetables, molasses, beans, lentils and dried fruits, such as apricots and prunes. Pair vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich foods to increase iron absorption. Add salsa to a beef-and-bean burrito or serve lentils with tomatoes.
Vitamins and Minerals
All pregnant women should discuss taking a prenatal vitamin with their doctor or midwife. Prenatal vitamins provide folic acid, which helps reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Some teenagers dislike swallowing large vitamins, so talk to your health-care provider about chewable vitamins. Your doctor or midwife may recommend additional calcium or iron supplements as well.
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