A mum-to-be does not need to eat for two!
Eating for two is one of the most common misconceptions during pregnancy. Even though your baby’s nutrition depends on your diet, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to consume double the number of calories during pregnancy.
In fact, excessive eating during pregnancy can have negative consequences such as:
- Excess weight gain
- Risk for gestational diabetes
- Increase risk for high blood pressure
Gaining the recommended amount of weight during your whole pregnancy can help your baby’s development before birth and will most definitely ensure a normal weight at birth and remain normal throughout childhood.
In most cases, a woman at the start of her pregnancy, first trimester, who maintained a healthy weight does not require the consumption of extra calories during the first 3 months of pregnancy, but she will, however, need to consume 340-450 extra calories each day during the last 6 months of pregnancy which will guarantee the healthy growth and development of her baby. If you’re over- or underweight, you may need to consult your doctor to set a clear nutrition plan for you, depending on your weight goal.
