Calorie Intake During Pregnancy

Women who become pregnant are using more energy than they did before their pregnancy. Supporting two bodies is hard work and more calories will be needed in order to keep everyone healthy. However, this does not mean the woman needs to eat double what she has been eating to sustain the baby’s health. This old wives’ tale is not only false, but also unhealthy. To support a baby in a womb, a woman only needs to change the content of their diet and add only a few more calories to maintain their energy and their health.

Most medical experts agree that the required calorie intake during pregnancy is only a few hundred more calories than before pregnancy. This means that women only need to eat 100 to 300 more calories each day than they were eating prior to being pregnant. If you were eating a lot of calories before you become pregnant, the best plan is to eat as you were and just add on these additional calories. You do not want to lose weight during your pregnancy if you can help it. Some women might, due to morning sickness or other problems, but this should not be intentionally done.

What to Add to Your Pregnancy Diet

Though you might not have to add more calories to your daily diet, you do want to be more aware of what you should and what you should not be eating. If you were eating 1800 calories before you became pregnant, it’s time to think about how you are distributing those calories during the day. You may want to spend more of your calories on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead of on processed foods. A pregnant woman should also be eating more lean proteins and low fat dairy products in order to keep their energy levels high. Try to remove the sugary foods from your diet as much as possible as well as artificial sweeteners.

Losing Weight During Pregnancy

If you are suddenly losing weight during your pregnancy, even though you’ve added the proper number of calories, you will want to discuss this with your doctor. There may be other reasons for this weight loss that may need to be addressed. The body needs to have a certain number of additional pounds for the baby weight, the amniotic fluid, etc. When this weight isn’t gained, it can be a sign of a more serious problem that needs to be addressed.

By regulating the amount of food you eat during your pregnancy, you will not only help your baby to become healthier, but you will also have an easier time losing any weight you have gained once the baby is born. Your body doesn’t need to be filled with food in order to help ‘grow’ a baby. All it needs is good solid nutrition and just a little more of it each day to help your pregnancy stay healthy.