Should You Eat For Two During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy Food Myth Busted!

Getting into all the details and busting this world-famous myth for a supremely healthy pregnancy.

Myth: Pregnancy is a time to eat for two – “I finally have an excuse to eat whatever I want!”

Truth: During the first trimester, pregnant women do not need to increase their caloric intake. It is recommended that they increase their daily intake by about 300 calories in the second trimester and about 450 calories during the third trimester. This is not the same as doubling your intake. Instead, it is like adding an extra snack during your day. A daily prenatal multivitamin is also commonly recommended during pregnancy.

One thing we LOVE about pregnant women is most of them are very motivated to eat right and exercise (appropriately, of course). All pregnant couples hope for a healthy baby. They want to do everything in their power to make sure he or she gets what is needed to grow and develop properly to ensure at birth, a beautiful and healthy bundle of joy is born. One of those ways is to eat right and get the proper nutrients for you and your growing baby. But wisdom is knowing where to stop.

Why is it so important to watch how much weight you gain during pregnancy?

The most obvious reason is that excess weight gain will make your pregnancy much more physically challenging.

You’re likely to experience more discomfort, aches and pains, and fatigue.

However, what’s more, important is that excess weight gain can directly affect your growing baby and your overall health during the pregnancy. Excess weight gain during pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight, increased risk of C section and even preterm birth. These health issues can be serious if left untreated so sticking to a healthy weight gain during pregnancy is the best way to avoid facing these complications.

How much weight should you ideally gain during pregnancy?

If you are slightly overweight, your body does not need to gain a significant amount of extra weight during pregnancy. On the flip side, if you are slightly underweight prior to pregnancy, you need to gain slightly more. Please note, a lot of factors determine the weight gain like the overall health of the mother-to-be, genetics, food habits, exercise, etc. Here are the approximate statistics:

Why is it so important to consume the right nutrients during pregnancy?

A daily prenatal multivitamin/mineral supplement is important during pregnancy and can help cover areas where you may be lacking in your diet – pregnancy food guide.

The answer to the question above is pretty simple. The nutrients that play a vital role in mom and baby development and balanced health must be consumed during the pregnancy. Each of these nutrients contribute in their own big/small way to ensure a smooth pregnancy. Here are all the nutrients you need and how they help in your pregnancy:

We stumbled upon this brilliant month by month diet chart that comes with a promise of a healthy pregnancy, and we thought it would be cruel to not share with our mom tribe!

Disclaimer: Please take an approval from your healthcare provider before following this diet. Check for allergies and triggers for the symptoms you are facing in your pregnancy to identify the avoidable foods.

Even if you eat a healthy diet, you can miss out on key nutrients. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting at least three months before conception — can help fill any gaps. Your health care provider might recommend special supplements if you follow a strict vegetarian diet or have a chronic health condition. If you're considering taking an herbal supplement during pregnancy, consult your health care provider first, as some herbal supplements might be harmful to your pregnancy.

No matter what anyone preaches, listen to your body. But make sure you make well informed choices to watch your weight to avoid struggling in losing it later. This will help you in enjoying a myth-free pregnancy that comes with a promise of both a healthy baby and a healthy mother.

What are the myths that you have heard of during your pregnancy? Share with us in the comments below.