Top 5 Nutrients to Pay Close Attention to While Pregnant

April 28, 2025

Hey mama, can we ask you something?

Have you ever found yourself staring at a plate of food, wondering if what you're eating is actually doing anything for you or your growing baby? Or maybe you’ve Googled "best foods to eat during pregnancy" one too many times, only to end up overwhelmed and more confused than before?



We get it. Nourishing your body during pregnancy can feel like navigating a maze. Between the cravings, the morning (or all-day) sickness, and the never-ending stream of advice from the internet, friends, and strangers in line at the grocery store, it's a lot.


But here’s the good news: fueling your body during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, a few simple nutrient-focused tweaks can make a world of difference for both you and baby. Let’s break it down together.


The Real-Life Struggle: When Guilt Meets Google

If you’re like many expecting moms, you may feel completely overwhelmed when it comes to nutrition. Maybe your doctor handed you a long list of pregnancy guidelines. Or maybe you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve asked, "Am I eating the right things for my baby?"


Between exhaustion, changing tastes, and busy schedules, the pressure to "do it all" perfectly can feel heavy. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to focus on a few powerhouse nutrients that do the heavy lifting for you and baby.


At ABC Fit Collective, we’re here to support your whole wellness journey. Yes, we’re all about movement and safe prenatal workouts—but we also believe in full-body wellness. Nutrition is a huge part of that. That’s why we talk about food and fueling your body right alongside workouts in our Virtual Gym.

So, let’s dive into the top five nutrients to keep an eye on while you’re expecting.


Time to Take Action: 5 Nutrients Every Pregnant Mama Should Prioritize

Folic Acid (Folate)

Why it matters: Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, especially in early pregnancy.


How much you need: 600 mcg per day


Where to find it: Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, beans, and fortified cereals, breads, and pastas.


💡 Pro tip: Even before pregnancy is confirmed, folate is crucial. That’s why it’s often recommended to take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid if you’re trying to conceive.

Calcium

Why it matters: Builds your baby’s bones and teeth while keeping your skeletal, cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems strong.


How much you need: 1000 mg per day


Where to find it: Fortified orange juice, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, plus tofu, canned salmon, and leafy greens like broccoli.


💡 Pro tip: Your body will prioritize the baby’s calcium needs first—so make sure you’re getting enough for both of you.

Vitamin D

Why it matters: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and supports baby’s bone development.


How much you need: 600 IU per day


Where to find it: Sunlight (yes, really!), wild salmon, egg yolks from pasture-raised eggs, and fortified foods like milk and orange juice. Supplements can help too.


💡 Pro tip:  Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially if you live in a place with long winters. Ask your doc if you should get your levels checked.

Iron

Why it matters: Iron supports increased blood production and helps deliver oxygen to your baby. It also helps reduce the risk of low birth weight or preterm delivery.


How much you need: 27 mg per day


Where to find it: Lean meats, fish, poultry, spinach, beans, and fortified cereals.


💡 Pro tip: Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C (like oranges or strawberries) to boost absorption.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA)

Why it matters: DHA supports your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and eye development. It also lowers the risk of preterm birth and postpartum depression.


How much you need: 300 mg of DHA per day


Where to find it: Fatty fish low in mercury like wild salmon, sardines, anchovies, and herring. If your prenatal vitamin doesn’t include DHA, consider taking a separate supplement.


💡 Pro tip:  Omega-3s can also support breast milk production postpartum. Total win.

The Bottom Line: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Mama, you don’t have to overhaul your entire life to support a healthy pregnancy. Focusing on just a few key nutrients (and getting in some feel-good movement when you can) can have a massive impact.


At ABC Fit Collective, we’re here to help you feel strong, supported, and confident every step of the way. Whether you’re in your first trimester or snuggling your newborn, our Virtual Gym is your go-to space for safe workouts, expert guidance, and a community of mamas who get it.

Ready to feel good in your body again? Join the ABC Fit Virtual Gym today and take the first step toward feeling strong, nourished, and empowered.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.

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