Pregnant women must make sure that they receive proper nutrition throughout their pregnancy to ensure that their unborn child will be healthy and well-developed. There are important foods to eat when pregnant that every expecting woman should be aware of, as she is not only eating for herself but for her baby as well.

Here are specific food groups that have essential vitamins and nutrients needed by a pregnant woman to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Foods rich in iron are foods that a pregnant woman should eat to ensure that her baby receives adequate amounts of oxygen in his blood as well as over-all blood supply for both mother and child. There are many pregnant women who develop iron-deficiency anemia during their pregnancy and this can affect the babys development. To have a sufficient amount of iron, expecting women should eat meat, specifically red meat, liver and poultry.

Aside from iron-rich foods, pregnant women must eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in repairing damaged tissue for mother and child, boosts the mothers immune system as well as helps in absorbing iron in the body. Vitamin C is easily found in citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries as well as fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

Pregnant women must not cut off carbohydrates from their pregnancy diet especially the complex carbohydrates as this food group contains essential nutrients like Iron and B vitamins. To get a dose of complex carbohydrates, eat whole grain pasta, oatmeal and wheat bread.

Protein-rich foods are also good foods to eat when pregnant since they assist in cell building for the fetus. Protein can be found in both animal and plant sources like meat, poultry, fish, legumes and tofu.

For bone, teeth and muscle development for the baby, pregnant woman must consume adequate amounts of calcium. If a pregnant woman doesn't take enough calcium the baby will absorb her calcium which can result in osteoporosis for her later in life. Cheese, milk, yogurt and vegetables like broccoli are rich in calcium.

Fruits and vegetables must be the staple food for any pregnant woman as these food groups contain the most essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins needed for pregnancy like Vitamins A, B, C and E as well as riboflavin, folic acid, magnesium and potassium. Expecting mothers should eat fruits and vegetables like carrots, spinach, banana, apples and kale.

Lastly, fats can also be good foods to eat when pregnant but should only be taken in moderation. Fats are needed for the babys development as they help in absorbing some vitamins. Feel free to include ice cream, butter and mayonnaise in your diet but never go overboard.

With these quick guidelines on what foods to eat when pregnant, delivering a healthy baby and having a healthy pregnancy can easily be achieved. Supplement these foods with prenatal vitamins, eight-glasses of water and enough rest. Never skip meals and eat frequent small meals to have a very healthy pregnancy.