Vegan Pregnancy Diet

Q  Is it ok to switch over to a vegan diet during pregnancy?

A Yes, as long as the diet is meeting the needs for the baby’s growth and development. A pregnant woman who becomes vegan needs to be educated about a healthy vegan diet before and during the switch. I recommend a consultation with a registered dietitian or licensed nutritionist specializing in vegan diets.

An change from one diet to another usually comes with a change in calorie and nutrient levels, so it is important to be sure that the diet follows pregnancy guidelines for calorie, protein, fat, vitamin, mineral, and fluid requirements. For a more detailed discussion of these guidelines, see this article: Advice for Vegan Mothers-to-Be – Nine Months of Proper Nutrition.

Obviously, going from a meat- and cheese-centered diet to a vegan one overnight might be particularly challenging, while going from a largely plant-based diet with a few animal products to a vegan one might be quite simple. Either way, the woman should be well-educated and follow guidelines for a healthy vegan pregnancy.