Nutritionist explains whether pregnant women need to eat for two
Should you eat for two during pregnancy: (photo: Freepik)
One of the most common myths about pregnancy and nutrition is the idea of "eating for two." A child's nutrition depends on woman, but there's no need to double the amount of food consumed.
How to eat during pregnancy
Ukrainian nutritionist Olha Dorosh explained that a woman's diet does not change significantly when she is pregnant.
For example, in the first trimester, there is no need to add any calories. In the second trimester, one should consume an additional 340 calories, and in the third trimester, 450 calories.
The expert provided three variants of snack to illustrate what 340 calories looks like:
- 1 banana, yogurt, and 20 g of nuts
- A small croissant and 2 walnuts
- 2 small sandwiches with sausage
Maria Montoya, MD, noted that weight gain during pregnancy is expected. For many people, it is difficult to find the right balance. Almost 70% of pregnant women do not know how many extra calories they need to consume during pregnancy.
Overeating can lead to excessive weight gain during pregnancy, which may have negative consequences for both the mother and the child. Being overweight not only complicates weight loss after childbirth but also increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Premature birth
Pregnant women should do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day. Make exercise a regular part of your life.
Foods to avoid during pregnancy
According to the nutritionist, there is no special pregnancy diet. Pregnant women can eat fish, legumes, peanuts, and even 1-2 cups of coffee.
However, it is essential to adhere to food safety rules and wash hands thoroughly.
Pregnant women should categorically avoid:
- Alcohol
- Raw eggs and dishes made from them
- Raw meat, fish, and seafood
- Unpasteurized dairy products, such as fresh milk
- Unpasteurized juices and fresh-squeezed juices
- Fish such as shark and swordfish, as they contain high levels of mercury
Sources: the UNM health website and the Instagram page of nutritionist Olha Dorosh.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
