How true is the beloved old myth that when you are pregnant, you can eat for 2?
Jennifer May, Nutritionist and owner of Sydney City Nutritionist cannot disagree more. While pregnancy may make you feel that hungry, you cannot double your food intake each day. You may, however, may wish to double your nutrient intake with healthy eating habits.
If you put on too much weight during pregnancy, you increase your risk of gestational diabetes, backache, higher blood pressures, and C-section birth. Conversely, gaining too little weight during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, premature delivery, and, later, developmental delays, or chronic health problems in your baby.
Here's Jennifer's guide throughout pregnancy when it comes to calorie intake:
- During the first trimester of pregnancy no additional calories are needed, however you may feel hungrier due to the high requirement of nutrients.
- In the second trimester an extra 334 calories on average are needed.
- In the third trimester an extra 475 calories are needed per day.
- It is important to meet those needs with foods that are highly nutritious and which promote optimum health and balanced blood sugar such as healthy protein, healthy fats and high fibre carbohydrates.
If you need further guidance on healthy eating habits and menus for pregnancy, contact Jennifer She would love to help and can consult with you through telehealth or face to face!
