It is important to follow the advice of a doctor, who should prescribe a personal diet, taking into account at the beginning of pregnancy the mother’s possible allergies, her job, smoking habits, alcohol and coffee intake, and the climate. Generally speaking it can be said that protein requirements will gradually increase to as much as 30% of the diet during pregnancy.

Olive Oil during pregnancy
Essential fatty acids are important constituents of cells and of the nervous system. An optimal amount of essential fatty acids is present in olive oil; for this reason, olive oil equivalent to two spoonfuls should be consumed during meals to supply the daily fatty acid requirement during pregnancy. Moreover, uncooked olive oil (in salads, etc.), also encourages intestinal activity, thus helping the mother-to-be to eliminate or limit the annoyance of constipation.

Nutritional Suggestions

Caloric requirements:

• 900 calories per day for women beginning pregnancy, at or near ideal weight, or engaged in a moderately active occupation;
• 2200 calories per day for robust pregnant women;
• 1600 calories per day for pregnant women who must observe absolute rest, or for those who have put on too much weight during the first three months, or those who were markedly obese before pregnancy.

Energy needs:

• 15-20% proteins, preferibly of animal origin: meat, eggs, cheese;
• 20-25% lipids, olive oil for its optimum balance of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• 60% carbohydrates, pasta, bread, cereals, etc.

To be avoided:

• alcoholic beverages: aperitifs and liquor in general;
• stuffed pasta: tortellini, cannelloni, lasagna;
• fatty meats: pork, brains, duck;
• sausages and salami;
• fatty cheeses;
• lard;
• dried and candied fruit.