Skip to main content
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2022 Jun 9.
Published in final edited form as: Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Dec 27;226(5):607–632. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035

TABLE 2.

Recommended reproductive diet patterns

Name Includes Excludes Benefits Risks
Optimal diets
Mediterranean diet Plant-based foods—vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, herbs, spices, olive oil, fish, poultry, and red wine
Up to 40% calories from fat
Limits red meat a few times per month Reduces the risk of CVD, mortality, cancers, and cognitive diseases
Dietary approaches to stop hypertension Balanced complex carbohydrates (58%), lower fat (28%), and moderate protein (18%)
High in fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium
Low in cholesterol, fat, and sodium Reduces weight, lowers BP and cholesterol, and reduces the risk of CVD and bone loss Needs vitamin D supplementation
Flexitarian diet Vegetarian most of the time, more vegetables, whole grains, plant-based or nonmeat proteins (“new meat”), dairy, and “sugar and spice”
Focus on home prepared food with <5 ingredients
Meat and dairy in moderation if at all Lowers BP and cholesterol, reduces weight, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus May need calcium, vitamin B12, and iron supplementation
Nordic diet Fruits, vegetables, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, rye bread, fish, seafood, low-fat dairy, herbs, spices, and canola oil Rare red meat and animal fats No sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meats, and refined fast foods Reduces weight and lowers BP and inflammatory markers
Diets to avoid during pregnancy
Atkins diet 20-40-100 Low carbohydrate (20 g), high fat, beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, and sources of fat Limit starchy vegetables, grains, legumes, simple sugars, and milk Needs vitamin C, B vitamins, folate, calcium, and magnesium
Paleo diet Lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and oils Processed foods, wheat, other grains, legumes, dairy, potatoes, refined sugar, salt, and refined oils Reduces weight and lowers the risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and cancer Needs calcium, B vitamins, andwhole grain nutrients
Ketogenic diet Extreme carbohydrate restriction ketosis, skin-on poultry, fattier beef, pork, fish, green leafy vegetables, oils, and solid fats Avoid starchy root vegetables, bread, pasta, other grains, and fruit Reduces weight Not recommended in pregnancy because of altered neonatal brain development Needs vitamin C, B vitamins, folic acid, calcium, and fiber

BP, blood pressure; CVD, cardiovascular disease.