Many women fall into the trap of eating for two as soon as they find out they are pregnant. While it is true that you do have to pay attention and make sure you are taking in enough of the right foods, many women go overboard when increasing their caloric intake during pregnancy.
Nutritional Needs
Once pregnant, there are some specific nutrients on which women should focus. The March of Dimes recommends an increase in the intake of foods high in folic acid, iron, calcium and docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy. While some of these needs will be met through a prenatal vitamin, pregnant women should also focus on foods high in these vitamins and minerals to minimize the risk of birth defects.
Caloric Needs
According to What To Expect, the caloric needs of a pregnant woman varies by trimester. While you are eating for two, during the first trimester the baby is only the size of a pea. Therefore, you only need to increase your calories by 300 per day during the first 12 weeks. Once you enter the second trimester, you should aim for an additional 350 calories, and during the third stage of pregnancy, you should add 500 calories per day.
Exceptions
For women who are more active, or underweight prior to pregnancy, the caloric needs may be greater. Also, women carrying multiples also have higher caloric needs. Consult your obstetrician as soon as you determine that you are pregnant to discuss your increased caloric and nutritional requirements.
