Your Caloric Needs In Pregnancy

If your weight is normal before pregnancy, your caloric intake should average about 2,200 calories a day during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. You need to add up to 300 calories to that number during the remainder of your pregnancy, depending on your prepregnancy weight.

Extra calories are the foundation of tissue growth in you and your baby. Your baby uses the energy from your calories to create and to store protein, fat and carbohydrates, and to provide energy for its body processes to function. You use the extra calories to support the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Your uterus increases in size many times, your breasts increase in size and your blood volume increases by 50%, among other changes.
Calories aren't interchangeable.

You can't eat whatever you want and expect to get the best nutrition for you and your baby; eating right takes care and attention. Where the calories come from is as important as the number you consume. You need to eat foods high in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, calcium, magnesium, folic acid and zinc. Fiber and fluids are also essential because pregnancy can cause constipation problems. Eating a wide variety of foods each day can supply you with the nutrients you need. Choose from dairy products, protein foods, fruits and vegetables, and breads and cereals. Avoid junk food and foods loaded with empty calories.

During pregnancy, eat 6 to 7 ounces of protein every day to cover the growth and repair of the embryo/fetus, placenta, uterus and breasts. There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for daily carbohydrate intake during pregnancy. Most physicians believe carbohydrates should make up about 60% of the total number of calories in your diet. If you are eating 2,200 calories a day, you would consume about 1,320 carbohydrate calories.

You probably don't need to worry about inadequate fat intake; in the North American diet, fat intake is usually excessive. There is no recommended daily amount for fat intake during pregnancy. Don't avoid all fats, but use them sparingly. Measure how much you use of each, and read labels.