During pregnancy, you are likely to eat more to support your growing baby. The number of calories you eat in a day helps contribute to healthy weight gain during your pregnancy. However, consuming too many calories during early pregnancy can set you up for too much weight gain.
Starting Weight
The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. According to the American Pregnancy Association, recommended weight gain ranges between 15 and 40 pounds.
Increasing Calories
Eating for two does not equate to doubling your calorie intake. During the first trimester, you may experience a loss of appetite due to morning sickness. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation recommends increasing your caloric intake between 200 and 300 calories per day. For an average weight woman, this equates to 2,200 calories per day.
Considerations
You'll gain the most weight during pregnancy in the last two trimesters. Gaining too much weight during your first trimester can make you gain too much during overall pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association explains that gaining too much weight can lead to a cesarean delivery and can cause gestational diabetes. By controlling your calorie intake early in pregnancy, you can help control the total amount of weight you gain.
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