In pregnancy, a woman requires an extra 300 calories above her normal daily intake to meet the needs of her growing baby. The quality of those calories is particularly important; your developing child requires an extra boost of a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Recommended Daily Intake of Nutrients in Pregnancy (for women aged 19–50)

Source: Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences; Dietary Reference Intake Tables.

If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of logging every item that passes your lips, don't worry. Take your prenatal supplement as prescribed by your doctor or midwife to bank those vitamins and minerals, then follow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food guide pyramid serving suggestions as a minimum guide for a balanced, healthy diet.