Healthy Breakfast For Pregnancy: 5 Ideas To Kick-Start Your Day

From the start of your pregnancy, getting enough folate in the mix — between 400 and 800 micrograms (mcg) daily — is a must, according to the Mayo Clinic. Folate is a key defender against certain neural tube defects, as well as brain and spinal abnormalities. Eating cereals that are 50% to 100% fortified with the B vitamin is an easy way to get this nutrient. Add a ripe orange on the side, which includes about 29 mcg of folate. The Cleveland Clinic also notes that oranges contain a healthy amount of vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron — another essential nutrient for you and your baby.

When you're pregnant, iron is especially important to guard against anemia and fatigue, as the Cleveland Clinic explains. Heme iron, which is a special type of iron that's easier to absorb, can be found in red meat, fish and poultry, according to the ACOG. These meats are also great sources of protein, as are eggs. To get a healthy dose of heme iron and protein, you can combine chicken and eggs to make a hearty chicken omelet. Just make sure to only eat fully cooked eggs while pregnant.

If you're vegetarian or vegan, you can still get a good dose of iron by eating legumes, explains the ACOG. Make a delicious breakfast burrito with some Great Northern beans for a healthy morning meal. Half a cup of these beans also contains 90 mcg of folate, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Both calcium and vitamin D work together to build your baby's bones and teeth, notes the ACOG. Add skim milk to your fortified breakfast cereal, or have a 6-ounce cup of yogurt, as the Mayo Clinic recommends. Calcium also helps strengthen your enamel to prevent cavities, as the American Dental Association (ADA) explains.

The ACOG recommends fruits and whole grains that are high in fiber. Fruits with skin, such as apples, berries and peaches, are a great way to get your fill of fiber. Add these to a whole-grain bowl of oatmeal for a balanced, fiber-packed meal. These foods will also keep you feeling full longer and stabilize your blood sugar levels to help you avoid that late-morning slump. What's more — fiber works to keep your teeth clean and wash away harmful acids, as the ADA notes.

It's easy to start planning balanced meals when you know what foods to look for. A healthy breakfast for pregnancy is important for your growing baby's health, as well as for your own oral health and overall well-being. In addition to eating healthy foods, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Good food choices and a good oral care routine will help to keep your belly full, your baby healthy and your smile bright.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.