Recommended Daily Calories for Pregnancy

You actually only need a few hundred additional calories each day to maintain your pre-pregnancy weight and allow for the baby's growth. The American Dietetic Association recommends a total intake of 2,400 to 2,700 calories each day during pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy

In early pregnancy, your baby is as small as a pea. Therefore, the baby does not have significant caloric needs yet and only needs enough energy to continue growth. The pregnancy website What to Expect recommends 300 additional daily calories in early pregnancy.

Late Pregnancy

You will need more calories as your baby grows. In late pregnancy, you should eat 500 additional calories each day, which provides the needed energy for rapid growth. Choose nutritious sources of extra calories to nourish your baby, such as more milk, lean protein and fresh produce.

Weight Gain

If you are overweight when you begin the pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a smaller increase in total calories. Do not restrict calories or try to diet while pregnant. If you are having twins, you may need to consume more calories.

References

• What to Expect: Eating Well During Pregnancy
• University of Illinois McKinley Health Center: Healthy Eating for Pregnancy
• American Dietetic Association: Healthy Weight During Pregnancy