Dieters following the Nutrisystem plan eat several pre-packaged meals each day, such as French toast, buffalo chicken wraps or chicken quesadillas. The convenience of pre-packaged meals appeals to many pregnant women who might not have the time or inclination to cook their own meals. Eating a Nutrisystem meal occasionally during pregnancy will probably not do any harm to you or your baby, but you should not follow the Nutrisystem diet plan -- or any other diet plan -- without the guidance and oversight of your doctor.
Caloric Needs During Pregnancy
The average pregnant woman needs about 2,500 calories a day to provide adequate nourishment for both her and the growing baby, according to Dr. William Sears, the author of "The Family Nutrition Book." Active women with high metabolisms might need 300 extra calories to keep up with their body's energy needs, while sedentary women with low metabolisms might need 300 fewer calories. Eating too few calories can deprive your baby of the nutrients he needs to grow and develop properly. Registered dietitian Goulda Downer tells the Consumer Affairs website that Nutrisystem meals typically provide women with 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day -- an amount far short of what is recommended by Sears.
Is Nutrisystem Safe?
The terms and conditions page of the Nutrisystem website specifically states that pregnant women should not use the Nutrisystem program. Undernourished moms are more likely to give birth to undernourished babies, according to Sears. Following a low-calorie diet like Nutrisystem during pregnancy can increase your baby's risk of complications at birth, and can potentially cause delayed growth and development.
Pre-packaged Foods and Pregnancy
Nutrisystem meals typically contain portion-controlled, pre-packaged foods instead of fresh, home-cooked foods. You can also choose fresh-frozen meals, as of 2011, but that option is more expensive. The American Dietetic Association cautions that much of the excess sodium in your diet comes from pre-packaged convenience foods, which use salt to extend shelf life, texture and taste. High levels of salt in the diet can increase swelling and water retention during pregnancy.
Prevention/Solution
If the convenience of Nutrisystem meals appeals to you, stock your refrigerator with healthy, non-diet prepackaged meals. Dr. David Katz tells "O" magazine that Amy's, Cedarlane, Moosewood and Nature's Promise make prepackaged foods that blend convenience with nutrition. You can also dedicate a few hours each week to creating some basic meals such as spaghetti with turkey meatballs and quesadillas filled with veggies. Freeze these meals in individually packaged servings so you can simply pull them out and heat them up during the week.
