Weight Changes and Calories

Your body will gain weight during your pregnancy! As you watch your weight begin to increase, take it as proof that your body is nurturing your growing baby. By the time you are ready to give birth, your total blood volume will have increased by as much as 60%.

Your breasts will have filled with milk. Your uterus will have grown to accommodate your baby and has filled with amniotic fluid. Your baby has grown to weigh 6 to 10 pounds (on average). To accomplish all of these productive changes, your body needs approximately 300 extra calories per day during your 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

Every woman should discuss her individual nutritional needs with her health care provider. Do not neglect your baby’s health by neglecting your own!


Myth: Now that you are pregnant, you should be eating for two.

Fact: It is true that your nutrient needs increase, but energy requirements only increase by about 300 calories per day for the second and third trimester of pregnancy.


Myth: Gaining less weight during pregnancy will make delivery easier.

Fact: Mothers who do not gain enough weight during pregnancy place their babies at risk for severe complications such as premature birth, which can cause lung and heart problems.


Myth: If you gain the right amount of weight during pregnancy, none of it will be fat gain.

Fact: A healthy pregnancy includes fat storage.  Your body uses this excess fat as energy during labor and breastfeeding.


Myth: Pregnant women only crave the foods their bodies need.

Fact: Pregnant women can crave foods of any type. Cravings should not be the sole indicator of nutritional needs.


Myth: A pregnant woman who is healthy will not experience discomforts.

Fact: Nausea, heartburn, and constipation are not biased! They will afflict women regardless of healthy living. However, women who regularly eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and avoid excess sugar and fat may significantly reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.