No need to eat for two but to eat healthier

Many of us grew up with the idea that in pregnancy you must “eat for two”. However, this is a myth! While pregnant women need a lot of extra nutrients — vitamins, minerals and particularly protein — the caloric requirements, or the energy requirements, aren’t actually a lot greater.

During the second trimester, an additional 340 calories a day are recommended. For the third trimester, the recommendation is 450 calories more a day than when not pregnant. Before then, no extra calories are needed.

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.

Nutrient needs during pregnancy

While pregnant women need some extra nutrients — vitamins, minerals and particularly protein — the energy requirements, aren’t actually a lot greater.

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…