Can I follow the Planter meal plan during pregnancy?
Of course! During the first trimester, your dietary needs and portion sizes will remain the same, depending on morning sickness. However, in the second and third trimester, you can adjust the portion sizes in your personal area on the app depending on how hungry you are. Chat to our nutritionists online for advice on the kind of snacks you can safely eat during pregnancy, so you don't miss out on anything during this delicate period!Few readersIs it okay to take a multivitamin as a source of vitamin B12 during pregnancy?
No, it’s definitely not enough! You will need to continue to supplement your vitamin B12 intake with a B12-only supplement like you did before your pregnancy. You can take folic acid or DHA in a multivitamin if it’s easier, but remember, it’s not a replacement for your normal vitamin B12 supplement which you should continue to take. If the vitamin B12 levels in your blood drop due to haemodilution during pregnancy (a totally normal event), your doctor will prescribe a higher dosage for a shortFew readersDo I need to take any other supplements?
All women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should take 400 mcg of folic acid from 3 months before conception until at least the third month of pregnancy, regardless of their diet. Pregnant women should also take 200 mg of DHA a day, i.e. an omega-3 fatty acid supplement (plant-based sources include algae DHA). If your doctor detects a deficiency, they may also prescribe a vitamin D supplement.Few readersDo I need to take any blood tests if I follow a plant-based diet during pregnancy?
As well as all the normal blood tests prescribed during pregnancy, check your vitamin B12 level at the first opportunity, along with your folate, homocysteine and blood count. Your doctor will then be able to adjust the dosages, if necessary.Few readers