[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/holistic-nutrition-for-pregnancy-during-the-third-trimester\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/holistic-nutrition-for-pregnancy-during-the-third-trimester\/","headline":"Nutrition For Pregnancy: During The Third Trimester","name":"Nutrition For Pregnancy: During The Third Trimester","description":"A developing fetus rapidly gains weight towards the end of pregnancy. Therefore, nutrition during pregnancy is very important for healthy fetal development during the third trimester of pregnancy. As a student completing...","datePublished":"2022-07-28","dateModified":"2025-08-23","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/#Person","name":"Marlene","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Edison Institute of Nutrition","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/holistic-nutrition-for-pregnancy-third-trimestre.jpg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/holistic-nutrition-for-pregnancy-third-trimestre.jpg","height":630,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/holistic-nutrition-for-pregnancy-during-the-third-trimester\/","about":["Articles","Health Conditions","Healthy Eating"],"wordCount":1443,"articleBody":"A developing fetus rapidly gains weight towards the end of pregnancy. Therefore, nutrition during pregnancy is very important for healthy fetal development during the third trimester of pregnancy.As a student completing a diploma in holistic nutrition courses at Edison Institution of Nutrition, you\u2019ll learn about the nutrition requirements for a healthy pregnancy.This is the third in a three part series about how to support your clients during pregnancy.So far, we\u2019ve covered holistic nutrition for first trimester pregnancy, and holistic nutrition for second trimester pregnancy.In this article, you\u2019ll learn some basics about holistic nutrition during the third trimester of pregnancy.If you\u2019re considering studying at a school of holistic nutrition, this article can serve as an introduction to some of what you\u2019ll learn during your studies.And if you yourself are pregnant, you can find out more about how to keep both you and your baby healthy toward the end of your pregnancy.It\u2019s important to remember, however, that blog articles are not a supplement for proper health advice \u2013 be sure to speak with your holistic nutritionist or other healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen, especially during pregnancy.Now, with that out of the way, let\u2019s dig in.What Happens During The Third TrimesterThe third trimester occurs between weeks 27 to 40 of pregnancy.Each trimester of pregnancy is typically characterized by a specific set of symptoms.Symptoms you might experience during the third trimester include:Shortness of breathHemorrhoidsUrinary incontinenceEnlarged, twisted veins (varicose veins)Sleeping problems, such as insomniaDuring the third trimester of pregnancy, your baby\u2019s eyes will open, and their nails and hair will begin to grow.Caloric Intake During The Third TrimesterCaloric intake should increase by 200\u2009\u2013\u2009300 calories per day during the third trimester or 36kcal per kilogram of pregnant body weight. Overall weight gain should 25\u2009\u2013\u200930 lbs. throughout the entire pregnancy.Avoid all foods and liquids such a junk food, fried, processed, fast food, alcohol, pop, and sugars that are detrimental to the health of your baby.Your caloric intake should come from nutritious foods such as:Organic fruits and vegetablesProtein rich foods, such as lean, grass fed meat and eggsWhole grainsHealthy fats and oils, such as nuts and avocadosRemember \u2013 your baby eats everything you eat.Important Nutrients During The Third TrimesterSome of the most important nutrients during the third trimester of pregnancy include the following:1. Vitamin AVitamin A does a lot for health in general.It can help keep your hair healthy, maintain good eye health, manage autoimmune disorders, and more.However, vitamin A serves an especially important role during pregnancy.It helps support healthy bone development in your baby, along with calcium and vitamin D with K2.Additionally, it helps the development of the baby\u2019s organs and eyes, as well as their circulatory, respiratory, and central nervous systems. Cod liver oil is a good source.2. Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 is important for the production of red blood cells and fetal brain development.It can also help in the development of a healthy nervous system.Additionally, vitamin B6 can help the baby metabolize other nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates.As well, because vitamin B6 is a nutrient deficiency linked with depression, it can help you stave off the baby blues.3. Vitamin CThe benefits of vitamin C are vast \u2013 it\u2019s no wonder so many different foods are touted as being high in this vitamin.It can help you burn fat, keep your eyes healthy, support your immune system, and much more.During pregnancy, however, vitamin C aids the intake of iron, which is crucial for both you and baby.Additionally, it provides benefits to fetal development, such as the development of the baby\u2019s teeth, gums, and bones.Vitamin C may also help to improve the immune system.And because vitamin C can help you manage your stress levels as well, it may help you stabilize your mood during this later stage in your pregnancy.4. Vitamin DVitamin D with K2 helps both mother and baby better absorb calcium.Additionally, research points to vitamin D with K2 as a potential preventative for pregnancy related complications, such as gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and infection.It\u2019s also linked with depression, so making sure you maintain your levels of vitamin D with K2 is important during pregnancy for lifting your mood.5. CalciumCalcium and magnesium aid in healthy development of the baby\u2019s bones, teeth, heart, nerves, and muscles.Additionally, it may help reduce the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia.While it may be wise to take a calcium supplement, it\u2019s best to speak with a healthcare provider first, since in most cases you can get all the calcium you need from your diet.6. IronIron is one of the essential building blocks of hemoglobin.Hemoglobin is responsible for taking the oxygen you inhale and distributing it through your blood to the various parts of your body where it\u2019s needed.When you\u2019re deficient in iron, it can cause your baby to not get enough oxygen.It also plays a role in your baby producing their own red blood cells, and can reduce the risk of a premature birth.If you\u2019re experiencing chronic fatigue during your pregnancy, it might be related to an iron deficiency as well.7. ProteinYour body uses protein to build and repair your bones, muscles, and other tissues, as well as to create hormones, among other things.Since your baby gains weight quite rapidly during the third trimester, they\u2019ll need plenty of protein as well to help their tissues develop.It can also help both you and your baby produce blood, and with keeping your uterus healthy.If you plan on breastfeeding, protein is even more important, since it plays a significant role in ensuring your breast milk is nutritious.8. Essential Fatty AcidsFish, Flax and borage seed oils provide essential fatty acids (EFA), including ALA, LA, and GLA.Fish oils provide omega 3 fatty acids that help to support brain, eye, and cardiovascular health.DHA is the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid in the brain and is essential for the proper development of the brain, retina, and visual acuity in young children.Flax and borage seed oils provide essential fatty acids (EFA), including ALA, LA, and GLA that further maintain optimal health by balancing hormones and support the nervous system.During your pregnancy, baby will require plenty of EFA\u2019s.Beyond that, though, deficiency in these essential fatty acids is linked with depression, so they can help you stave off postpartum depression.Foods To Eat During PregnancyBelow are some recommendations for nutrient rich foods to eat during the third trimester of pregnancy.Good sources of vitamin A include:FishGoji berriesCarrotsCantaloupeSpinachSweet potatoesGood sources of vitamin B6 include:BananasPoultryBeefFishStarchy vegetables, such as potatoes and cornWhole grainGood sources of vitamin C include:Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruitKiwiStrawberryTomatoesRed and green peppersBroccoliGood sources of vitamin D include:Fatty fish, such as salmon and bluefin tunaFortified foods, such as cereal and milkEgg yolksCheeseSunlightGood sources of calcium include:BroccoliKaleCanned anchoviesSardines with bonesGood sources of iron include:Dark meat, such as poultry legsFishSeafoodNutsSpinachWhite beansKidney beansLentilsPeasPrune juiceGood sources of protein include:Red meats such beef and lambCold water wild caught fishSeafoodEggsLentilsNutsBeansSeedsPeasContact The Edison Institute Of Nutrition TodayHave you been considering pursuing a career in holistic nutrition?Whether you\u2019re just starting your career or considering a switch to a new career as a holistic nutritionist, we can help.At the Edison Institution Of Nutrition, we are committed to providing expert training to prepare our students for success through our Diploma in Holistic Nutrition program.Holistic nutrition CEUs are also offered, which can be taken by holistic nutritionists and allied holistic practitioners alike.These include our Advanced Nutrition Practice, Live Cell Microscopy, and Holistic Cancer Coach courses, among many others.Contact the Edison Institute Of Nutrition today to get started on training, or enhance your skills, as a holistic nutritionist."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Nutrition For Pregnancy: During The Third Trimester","item":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/holistic-nutrition-for-pregnancy-during-the-third-trimester\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]