Why do I need thiamine?
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, converts carbohydrates into energy for both mother and baby essential for your baby's brain development. It also aids the normal functioning of the  nervous system  and the heart. If a pregnant woman is thiamine-deficient, her infant is at risk for beriberi, a serious heart ailment.

How much do I need?

You need a third more thiamine when you're pregnant, from an RDA (recommended daily allowance) of 1.1 mg up to 1.5 mg. If you're nursing, you'll need a bit more, 1.6 mg.

Should I take a supplement?
Chances are you'll get enough thiamine by eating well, but a good multivitamin will supply you with most of your recommended daily allowance.

What are the best food sources?

Pork is one major source of thiamine, and you can find it in lots of other foods, including:

 1 tablespoon brewer's yeast: 1.3 mg

 3 oz. pork tenderloin: 0.8 mg

 3 oz. pork center loin: 0.8 mg

 3 oz. cured ham: 0.6 mg

 3 oz. Florida pompano fish: 0.6 mg

 1/4 cup wheat germ: 0.5 mg

 1 cup enriched spinach noodles: 0.4 mg

 1 oz. dried pine nuts: 0.4 mg

 1 cup split peas: 0.4 mg