What are my calorie needs during pregnancy?
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Riverside Women's Health answered:Your calorie needs will depend on your weight gain goals. Most women need 300 calories a day more during at least the last 6 months of pregnancy than they do pre-pregnancy. Keep in mind that not all calories are equal. Your baby needs healthy foods that are packed with nutrients — not "empty calories" such as those found in soft drinks, candies, and desserts.
Although you want to be careful not to eat more than you need for a healthy pregnancy, make sure not to restrict your diet during pregnancy either. If you don't get the calories you need, your baby might not get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Low-calorie diets can break down a pregnant woman's stored fat. This can cause your body to make substances called ketones. Ketones can be found in the mother's blood and urine and are a sign of starvation. Constant production of ketones can result in a child with mental deficiencies.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.
Your calorie needs will depend on your weight gain goals. Most women need 300 calories a day more during at least the last 6 months of pregnancy than they do pre-pregnancy. Keep in mind that not all calories are equal. Your baby needs healthy foods... More -
Lyn Turton answered:It may be surprising to learn that calorie requirements don't increase at all during the first trimester and only increase by an average of 300 calories per day after that!
Aim to get these extra calories from foods which also provide vitamins and minerals, such as, fruits, yogurt, and fortified breakfast cereal rather than foods which only provide calories, such as cakes or cookies.
The information at http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ can help you make nutritious choices.
Your doctor will discuss your individual calorie requirements & weight gain goals as they may vary from this depending on your weight prior to pregnancy. It is important to note this is not the time to restrict your calories or try to lose weight.
It may be surprising to learn that calorie requirements don't increase at all during the first trimester and only increase by an average of 300 calories per day after that! Aim to get these extra calories from foods which also provide vitamins and... More -
Frances Largeman-Roth answered:Yes, you’ll need more energy to burn, but you’re not eating for two. You need an extra 300 calories a day, starting in your second trimester. This is one thing that you won’t have a tough time getting. It’s incredibly easy to add 300 calories to your daily diet. The tough thing is to get them from healthy, baby-building calories, instead of caramel-drizzled brownie calories. If you’re starting out your pregnancy already over- or underweight, your doctor should help you customize your recommended extra calories.
Yes, you’ll need more energy to burn, but you’re not eating for two. You need an extra 300 calories a day, starting in your second trimester. This is one thing that you won’t have a tough time getting. It’s incredibly... More
