What changes in pregnancy
Energy needs increase by 340-450 kcal/day in the second and third trimesters. Protein, iron, calcium, folate, iodine, vitamin D, and DHA needs all increase. Total weight gain target depends on pre-pregnancy BMI.
What we recommend
- Folic acid 400 micrograms daily until 12 weeks (5 mg for high-risk)
- Iron 60-100 mg daily from second trimester (or earlier if anaemic)
- Calcium 1000-1300 mg daily
- Vitamin D 600 IU daily, more if deficient
- Iodine 200-220 micrograms daily
- DHA 200-300 mg daily preferred from omega-3-rich diet
Safety guidelines
Raw or undercooked meat/fish, unpasteurised dairy, high-mercury fish (king mackerel, shark, swordfish), excess caffeine (over 200mg daily), alcohol, and unwashed produce. Standard Indian diets are generally safe with appropriate cooking practices.
Pregnancy nutrition
| Nutrient | Why |
|---|---|
| Folic acid | Neural tube |
| Iron | Prevents anaemia |
| Calcium & vitamin D | Bones |
| Protein | Growth |
Antenatal and fetal-medicine care aligned with international obstetric standards.
Frequently asked
Dr Patel leads obstetric and high-risk pregnancy care at Balaji Horizon, combining advanced fetal-medicine imaging with evidence-based antenatal management — calm, vigilant care focused on the safest outcome for mother and baby.
Advanced fetal imaging and evidence-based antenatal care — calm, vigilant, and focused on the safest outcome for you and your baby.
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
