How many extra calories do I need?

It is actually a myth that you need to “eat for

two” during pregnancy. You do need extra

calories, but a gradual increase in calories as

your baby develops will be just right!

Daily calories should be around 2,200-2,500

calories/day.

These extra calories should come from nutritious

foods, such as lean meats, low-fat dairy

products, fruits, vegetables, & whole grains.

During pregnancy, your eating habits affect your baby. Your baby depends on

good nutrition for growth & development. Making healthy food choices and having

a balanced diet during pregnancy will help prepare your baby for lifelong health!

First Trimester No extra calories needed

Second Trimester ~300-350 extra calories/day

Third Trimester ~450 extra calories/day

How much weight should I expect to gain?

Weight gain during pregnancy is

important for the development and

growth of your baby, placenta,

amniotic fluid, uterus, breasts, blood

supply, and fat stores.

Normal weight gain is between 0-4

pounds during the first trimester and 1

pound per week during the second &

third trimesters.

Remember pregnancy is not the right

time to diet or lose weight as it could

prevent your baby from getting

essential nutrients.

Ideal weight gain during pregnancy

depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI:

BMI Weight gain

<18.5 28-40 lb.

18.5-24.9 25-35 lb.

25-29.9 15-25 lb.

> 30 11-20 lb.

What if I’m having twins or

triplets?

Aim for an additional 300

calories per day for each

fetus. Pregnant women

with twins require about

2,500-2,800 calories/day.

Weight gain for twins:

BMI Weight gain

18.5-24.9 37-54 lb.

25-29.9 31-50 lb.

> 30 25-42 lb.

HEALTHY MOM, HEALTHY BABY

Content created and supplied by: MrsAddo (via Opera News )