Teenage girls are already going through dramatic physical changes, so adequate nutrition during teenage pregnancy is particularly important. Because adolescent growth is not complete for about four years after the first menstrual cycle, many pregnant teens are at the peak of their teenage growth spurt, according to "Nutrition and the Pregnant Adolescent
A Practical Reference Guide," provided by the University of Minnesota Leadership, Education and Training Program.
Calorie Quality
Many teenagers have diets that contain high amounts of sweets, fast food and soft drinks, notes KidsHealth. During pregnancy, challenge yourself to eat a balanced diet to help your baby grow and to provide health energy throughout the day. Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods from each of the six food groups, which include fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, protein and fat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a helpful resource that gives specific dietary recommendations for pregnant moms.
Calorie Quantity
Teenage mothers often gain less weight than moms in their 20s and 30s, according to the book "Nutrition Through the Life Cycle," by Prakash S. Shetty. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that infants born to teen moms are two to six times more likely to have low birth weight. Unless you doctor recommends it, don't worry about dieting or restricting your calorie intake during pregnancy. Instead, aim to consume about 300 more calories than you did before you become pregnant.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is crucial during the first trimester of your pregnancy, but you should continue to take it throughout the second and third trimesters. Your doctor will probably recommend a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 0.4 micrograms of folic acid. Folic acid reduces the chances that your baby will be born with a neural tube birth defect by 50 to 75 percent, according to BabyCenter.com. Dietary sources of folic acid include fortified cereals, lentils, dried beans and peas, citrus fruits and juices and leafy dark green vegetables. Continue to get enough folic acid after your pregnancy, particularly if you decide to breast-feed your baby.
Iron Requirements
Both pregnancy and the teenage years are phases that require higher iron intake. Although all pregnant women are prone to iron deficiency, teenage mothers are particularly susceptible, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Be sure to get 27 milligrams of iron per day during pregnancy, or 10 milligrams daily if you are breast-feeding your baby. Iron-rich foods include red meat, tuna, chicken, turkey, fortified cereals, oatmeal, beans, lentils and spinach. If you are concerned about your iron intake, consult your doctor to determine whether you need to take dietary supplements.
References
- University of Minnesota Leadership, Education and Training Program; Nutrition and the Pregnant Adolescent: A Practical Reference Guide; Mary Story, et al.
- KidsHealth: When Your Teen is Having a Baby
- "Nutrition Through the Life Cycle"; Prakash S. Shetty; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Adolescent Pregnancy -- Treatment
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Especially For Teens: Having a Baby; August 2007
- ChooseMyPlate.gov: Daily Food Plan for Moms
- BabyCenter.com: Folic Acid in Your Pregnancy Diet
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
