Pregnancy requires you to eat more because extra calories provide energy to help the baby grow and develop. Choose healthy sources of additional calories, such as low-fat milk, lean meat and fruits and vegetables, for optimal fetal growth.
Early Pregnancy
You do not need to increase your calories by much in the first trimester, which may be reassuring if you have morning sickness and cannot eat much. The pregnancy guide "What to Expect" recommends increasing your calories by 300 per day in the beginning, but the American Dietetic Association says you do not need to consume extra calories until the second trimester.
Late Pregnancy
Increase your calorie intake by 350 per day compared to your pre-pregnancy amount in the second trimester, according to the American Dietetic Association. Increase intake again to a total of 500 extra calories over the pre-pregnancy amount in the third trimester, when the baby is growing most rapidly.
Total Calories
According to the American Dietetic Association, the total amount of calories needed each day during pregnancy ranges from 2,200 to 2,900. However, the specific amount of calories you need can vary based on your pre-pregnancy starting weight and if you have any special health concerns, such as carrying twins or multiples.
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