Researchers warn women: Pregnancy can be very risky!

A new study has revealed the dangers that vegan women may face during pregnancy. The University of Copenhagen study observed that babies born to vegan mothers weigh on average half a kilogram less.

The researchers analyzed data from 66,738 pregnant women in Danima between 1996 and 2002. Of these, 65,872 women ate both meat and vegetables, 666 were fish/poultry vegetarians, 183 were vegetarians and 18 were vegan. Based on a questionnaire completed in mid-pregnancy, the researchers found that protein intake was lower among vegetarians and vegans compared with participants who ate both meat and vegetables, SWNS reported. They observed that lower protein intake may also be linked to giving birth to weaker babies.

In addition, vegan women's pregnancies lasted 5.2 days longer. The scientists said they decided to conduct the study after the number of people adopting a plant-based diet has increased significantly in recent years. In Denmark, they said, veganism in the general population has increased from a barely measurable level in 2010 to about 3 percent in 2022. In the US, it is estimated that about 5 percent of the population is vegetarian and about 4 percent follow a vegan diet. Doctors recommend that pregnant women consume about 70 grams of protein a day. They also advise vegan and vegetarian pregnant women to get enough iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and iodine, which are found in meat and fish.

The condition, which tends to develop after the 20th week of pregnancy, is characterized by high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. The problem can impair kidney and liver function, affect blood clotting, cause fluid build-up in the lungs, seizures and, in severe cases, maternal and infant death.