Pregnant teens have special nutrition needs. As a pregnant adolescent, you are still growing and maturing, and your body has the added challenge of nourishing a developing baby. Milk is an important source of many nutrients, such as calcium and protein, that are necessary for you and your growing baby.
Nutritional Profile
The nutritional profile of milk includes protein, carbohydrates and important vitamins and minerals. The fat content and calories of milk vary according to the type you buy. Whole milk contains 150 calories per 8 ounces. An 8-ounce glass of 2 percent milk contains 120 calories. Eight ounces of skim milk contains 90 calories. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the type of milk you should drink to meet your calorie and weight gain goals.
Calcium
Pregnant teens need 1,500 mg of calcium each day. Three cups of skim or low-fat milk provides you with 900 mg of calcium, so try to have a glass of milk with each meal. Depending on your diet preferences and calorie needs, a glass of chocolate milk for a bedtime snack can give you another boost of calcium. Round out your daily calcium needs with other dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese, or leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D pairs with calcium to strengthen your bones and your growing baby's bones. Very few food products contain vitamin D in their natural form. In the United States, milk is typically fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D may have an important role in reducing your risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related blood pressure disorder. Pregnant teenagers are at a higher risk for developing preeclampsia.
Ideas
A glass of milk three times a day is a good start, but there are other ways to include milk in your diet. Eat cereal with milk for breakfast and snacks. Prepare cream-based soups with milk for lunch and dinner. Add milk to waffle and pancake batters or make a milk-based custard for a sweet high-calcium dessert.
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