Is it healthy to stick to a vegan diet while pregnant? Many people question the safety of being vegan while pregnant.
In fact, Most vegans face questions and criticism in regards to their chosen diet, mainly from people who presume that a vegan diet isn’t adequate.
Unfortunately the negative comments and criticism can become even more intense during pregnancy, so much so that even the most committed and knowledgeable vegan can begin to have doubts when pregnant.
Unfortunately some women stop being vegan during their pregnancy due to the pressure they feel from family, friends and even sometimes their own doctor.
It’s a shame because there is no reason why a woman can’t have a vegan diet while pregnant, in fact most do.
All women’s nutritional needs change when pregnant whether they are vegan, vegetarian or omnivore.
Having a healthy pregnancy just means meeting those needs regardless of whether you are vegan or not.
The same criticisms can also arise when couples plan to raise their baby on a vegan diet.
All parents naturally want to live their lives and raise their children according to their own moral codes and belief and nobody should be discouraged from doing so.
Studies have shown that a well planned vegan diet is safe during pregnancy and is also safe for babies, toddlers and older children.
In fact many vegans have stated that they learned far more about nutrition and eating well after going vegan, than they ever knew before being vegan.
In 2009 the American Dietetic Association released a paper stating :
“ Planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes. [1] ”
Appropriately planned vegan, lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets satisfy nutrient needs of infants, children and adolescents and promote normal growth..
In upcoming posts I will be offering advice and information to help you have a healthy vegan diet while pregnant and how to raise a healthy vegan baby.