How Much Extra to Eat While You’re Pregnant
There’s no definitive answer to the question of how much more a person might need to eat during pregnancy since we each have individual energy needs. General research has shown that pregnant people don’t require much extra energy intake in the first trimester and roughly 350-450 calories more in the second and third trimesters. This would vary depending on whether someone was experiencing nausea at any point, how much food they typically require each day, and other factors. Ideally, listening to your body’s needs and eating when you feel hungry is recommended. In addition, your healthcare team will keep an eye on markers of health like blood pressure, your baby’s size to monitor your overall health during pregnancy. Snacks can be a really handy way to increase the variety of nutrition that you get from the foods you choose each day.
The Best Snacks for Pregnant Women
Protein, carbohydrates, and fats are all important during pregnancy, as well as when not pregnant. Balancing snacks with a combination of these nutrients can be a great way to get all three. If you notice your meals typically contain more of one of the three, then snacks can utilize the other two to balance out the day. If you’re feeling nauseated, ensuring your snacks contain protein might help. If you’re experiencing constipation, foods that contain whole grains and other higher fiber foods can assist. There are plenty of ways to make delicious, nutrient-rich snacks that don’t take a ton of time.
Consider Talking to a Nutritionist
In the end, talking regularly with your provider about your health is imperative, but you should also consider talking to someone who has extensive nutrition training to help you ensure that you are meeting daily nutrient needs to support your health and your baby’s. This conversation is even more important if you are a vegetarian, particularly if you’re new to the practice, to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your baby needs.
