Common Questions About Eating

Is it okay to drink coffee, tea, or soda pop?

Coffee, tea, pop, and energy drinks may have caffeine in them. Too much caffeine is not good for your unborn baby. Try to limit the tea, coffee, pop, and diet pop you drink. It is best not to drink more than two cups (500 mL) of coffee each day. All energy drinks and some kinds of herbal teas are not safe to drink when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your health care provider for a list of safe teas. Water is the best thing to drink when thirsty. Try adding fresh fruit, lemon or cucumber to make your drinking water refreshing and tasty.

Do I need to stop eating salt?

Salt should be limited. You and your baby will get enough sodium from a healthy diet. Many foods have sodium that naturally occurs in food. Limit adding extra salt to your food. Choose foods that do not have added sodium or are low in sodium more often than processed or fast foods.

Will I need to take prenatal vitamins?

Vitamin pills cannot take the place of healthy foods. Eat healthy foods and take a prenatal vitamin every day with folic acid and iron. Some women need more folic acid or other vitamins. Talk to your health care provider to know what is best for you.

What if I don’t drink milk?

If you do not drink milk, you can have other foods high in calcium such as cheese, yogurt, fortified soy drinks, fortified orange juice, sardines, tofu, broccoli, and almonds.

Talk to your health care provider to make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

What if I do not eat meat?

If you do not eat meat or animal products, choose foods such as beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds. Talk to your health care provider about getting enough iron and protein.

Can I drink alcohol?

It is safest not to drink any alcohol when you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Choose an alcohol-free drink instead. This is the safest choice for you and your unborn baby.