Being pregnant is an exciting time for a woman. As your baby grows, so, too, do your nutritional needs. Knowing what and how much to eat during pregnancy can be difficult. To start, though, you will need to increase your daily caloric intake. Consult your doctor for specific recommendations.
Calorie Intake
You should consume 300 additional calories per day when you are pregnant, according to the HealthyChildren website, a service of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your baby needs these extra calories to grow and develop naturally until childbirth. These additional calories should come from healthful foods from the major food groups: fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy products and protein.
Extra Nutrients
Some nutrients become particularly important during pregnancy. For example, you will need to get more folic acid and iron. You can get both from your diet, but the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a prenatal vitamin to ensure you meet these increased intake needs. Consult your doctor before adding any supplements.
Weight Gain
Weight gain comes with the territory when you are pregnant. The amount of weight you need to gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. Women who are underweight should gain between 28 and 40 pounds, while women at a healthy weight should gain 25 to 35 pounds, ACOG advises. Overweight women should gain 15 to 25 pounds. Obese women should gain 11 to 20 pounds.
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