No need to eat for two during pregnancy — just eat healthier

Many of us grew up with the idea that you must eat for two during pregnancy. However, this is a myth! While pregnant women do need extra nutrients — vitamins, minerals, and especially protein — the caloric or energy requirements aren’t significantly higher.

Few extra calories needed in pregnancy

Before the second trimester, no extra calories are necessary. In the second trimester, an additional 250 calories per day are recommended, increasing to 500 extra calories per day in the third trimester compared to pre-pregnancy needs. These figures illustrate the typical extra calories needed in pregnancy. 

Eating foods with many calories but few vitamins and minerals in pregnancy can lead to excess weight gain and health problems for you and baby.

Higher nutrient needs during pregnancy

Pregnant women need certain nutrients in higher amounts — vitamins, minerals, and especially protein — while their energy requirements aren’t significantly higher.

Therefore, most doctors recommend that pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement every day in addition to eating a healthy diet. Taking a supplement ensures that you get enough of those extra nutrients you and your baby need now.

Nutritional requirements during pregnancy

Nutritional requirements during pregnancy differ considerably from those of non-pregnant women.

During pregnancy, the need for certain nutrients — including protein, iron, folic acid, iodine, and Vitamin B6 — increases significantly to support your baby’s growth and development.

Pregnancy nutrient needs