We have all heard the saying “I’m eating for two” when it comes to eating while pregnant. Although you do have a little bundle of joy inside, does that really mean you’re eating for two? It’s important to gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. Gaining too much or too little weight may lead to complications. So what’s healthy? Let’s dive in!
How many calories does your baby need?
All you need to support your baby’s growth and development is 300 calories per day. Those extra 300 calories equate to a small meal or one or two snacks. You’ll want to think about what that meal or snack consists of, as lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and fruits optimize health.
How much weight should you gain during pregnancy?
The answer depends on what your starting weight is when you become pregnant. A general rule is woman of average weight should gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds and overweight women may need to gain only 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.
It’s important to gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy, gaining too much weight may lead to premature birth of the baby and high blood pressure or diabetes for the mom.
How can I try to gain the correct amount of weight during pregnancy?
It is suggested to eat 5 or 6 small meals per day and keep healthy snacks on hand, such as fruits, nuts and cheese and crackers. Use fats in moderation, prepare your meals in healthy oils and don’t add extra salt. Also, try to avoid sugary drinks- these calories can add up very quickly.
Exercise is extremely important during this time. While exercise is not meant to help you lose weight by any means- this is not the time to be doing that- it can help burn some excess calories and give you extra energy.
Should you need to lose weight, it should only be done under your doctor’s care. You can support healthy weight gain by being aware of your caloric needs and weight gain requirements and by eating right and exercising. For questions on how to get started, contact us!
