Vegan diet during pregnancy: What does science say?

Created on: June 29, 2026
Last edited on: June 29, 2026

According to current scientific knowledge, a carefully planned and specifically supplemented vegan diet during pregnancy is possible. Professional societies recommend paying attention to critical nutrients, regular check-ups, and qualified nutritional counseling during this sensitive stage of life.

→ A detailed overview is available in our PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING GUIDE, which we have developed together with Dr. Anika Döll and nutrition scientist Christina Dengg (BBSc, MSc). The guide is currently published in German, but can be translated using tools like ChatGPT or Google’s browser translator. The guide provides a well-founded introduction and general guidance, but it does not replace individual nutrition counseling or medical care. Especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend seeking personalized support from qualified healthcare professionals. Examples include Dr. Anika Döll, Christina Dengg, or Dominik Machner.


What do professional societies say about vegan diets in pregnancy?

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) updated its position in 2024. Due to the limited study data available so far, it does not make a recommendation for or against a vegan diet for pregnant women. Instead, the DGE emphasizes the importance of sound nutritional knowledge, needs-based supplementation, and regular medical supervision.

Other international professional societies also share a similar basic idea: What matters most is not whether a diet is vegan, but whether it is planned to cover nutritional needs. Earlier position papers from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) even classified a well-planned vegan diet as suitable for all stages of life. However, the current AND position paper from 2025 is limited to adults outside of pregnancy and lactation, as the evidence for these particular life stages remains limited - not because new data speaks against a vegan pregnancy.

 

What do studies on vegan diets in pregnancy show?

Several systematic reviews (see studienabc.de - 3.2) have investigated how a purely plant-based diet affects pregnancy and the child. They show, among other things, the following results:

  • With the inclusion of supplements, both mixed-diet and vegan pregnant women can meet their needs.
  • Partially lower birth weight of vegan children
  • Partially higher risk of SGA (small for gestational age)

However, these results are (among other factors) related to the mother's BMI and less to the question of "vegan or not vegan."

Further studies show possible benefits of well-planned plant-based nutrition, including:

  • Associated with lower risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia (pregnancy complication where the mother develops high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy)
  • Possible positive effects due to higher intake of fiber and potassium
  • Partially lower weight gain during pregnancy

→ Overall: A well-planned vegan diet with appropriate supplementation can ensure adequate nutrient supply.


Conclusion - Is a vegan diet possible during pregnancy?

Yes, a well-planned vegan diet during pregnancy is considered possible, but requires more attention than outside of special life stages. This also applies to mixed diets. If you pay attention to critical nutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D, iodine, omega-3, and iron, and undergo regular medical check-ups, you can, according to current knowledge, also follow a vegan diet during pregnancy.

→ Detailed information on vegan nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, including recommendations for supplementation and meal planning, can be found in our PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING GUIDE.

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