Eating for two during pregnancy– Myth or Fact

- when you are pregnant, you will need to eat a little more.
- more does not mean eating double the quantity of food, but you have to eat a little more during your meals or have a snack in between your meals to make up the extra calories.
- most women need an extra 200-300 calories, but this could vary depending on their activity level.
- you may speak to a dietitian, who will be able to guide you on the amount to eat.

- taking care of what you eat, will help you maintain a healthy weight gain during your pregnancy and prevent complications during pregnancy.
- most women gain between 10 and 12.5kg depending of their pre-pregnancy weight.


Quality vs Quantity
- source of the extra calories should come from nutritious food to help you meet the increased requirements for some vitamins and minerals.
- this does not mean that you need to change your diet.
- continue with your usual meals but if your diet is poor, it is important to speak with a dietitian, who can help you determine the areas you can improve on.

- the extra calories should be from nutrient-rich food, to provide you with the vitamins and minerals needed for the growth and development of the baby.
- it is alright to enjoy the occasional snack, so as long as it does not displace the other nutritious food in your diet.
- if possible, try to find alternatives to help you reduce your intake of high-calorie snacks.

pregnancy parenting article