Pregnancy is a phenomenal yet normal physiological
process that comes with some unique nutritional requirements. What you
eat throughout your pregnancy really does matter, as you are eating not
only to provide optimal nutrition for your developing fetus, but also
to support your increased metabolism and organ growth. Not only are you
what you eat, but so is your baby. And what better reason than that for
eating incredibly well!
Watching Your Weight
Building a healthy baby requires about 300 extra calories per day assuming
normal activity and more for the exercising woman. In those extra calories,
the pregnant woman needs up to 50 percent more of most vitamins and minerals
and an additional 10 grams of protein a day for fetal and placental growth,
expanded maternal extra cellular fluid, breasts, and uterus.
This additional caloric intake should be sufficient to attain a weight
gain of approximately 22 to 28 pounds in women of normal weight. If you're
underweight before you become pregnant, a 30 to 35 pound weight gain is
appropriate.
Weight gain is usually minimal during the first trimester; most women
gain between two to four pounds. Weight gain increases at a rate of .75
to .88 pounds per week during the second and third trimesters. The mother's
rate of weight gain is the most reliable sign that she is eating the right
amount of food to support the growing baby.
