Wir überwinden Grenzen

(May 5, 2026) What pregnant and breastfeeding women eat affects their baby’s development. Yet many myths persist. What does science say?

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, nutrition takes center stage. It’s not just about calories, but above all about quality: What nutrients do pregnant women really need, and what risks does poor nutrition pose? PD Dr. Mirjam Kunze, Medical Director of Obstetrics and Perinatology at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, emphasizes: “Nutrition has a huge impact on the healthy development of the child.” This applies not only to growth in the womb but also to long-term effects on the child’s metabolism and immune system.

• Healthy Eating During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding – The To-Go Checklist 

Less is more—when it comes to weight

A common misconception: Pregnant women need to “eat for two.” In fact, energy requirements don’t increase noticeably until the last trimester of pregnancy—and even then, only by about ten percent. According to Kunze, excessive weight gain increases the risk of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. This can also have consequences for the child—such as a higher birth weight or obesity issues later in life.

These nutrients are especially important now

Key nutrients include:

• Folic acid, ideally taken even before pregnancy,
• Iodine, important for the child’s thyroid development,
• Iron, to meet the increased blood volume needs.

Avoid raw meat—but not everything

Raw meat, raw fish, and unpasteurized dairy products can contain dangerous pathogens such as Listeria or Toxoplasma. Avoiding these is important during pregnancy. However, blanket dietary restrictions are generally unhelpful: many pregnant women feel left to their own devices with conflicting advice. This makes sound guidance all the more important. Physicians and midwives are the first points of contact. 

Breastfeeding: Impact on Taste and Allergies

Diet also plays a central role during breastfeeding. Through breast milk, the baby may develop a tolerance to potential allergens. At the same time, certain foods should not be avoided based on mere suspicion—unless there are proven intolerances.

More interesting articles