How many calories should i eat in the second trimester

“Eating for two” is a common myth in pregnancy, the reality is you don’t actually need any additional calories until the third trimester and even then you shouldn’t be doubling the amount!

During the first and second trimester an average calorie intake is usually about 2,000 calories for usually active mums-to-be. However, you may find that you’re hungrier than usual so make sure that you’re drinking enough fluids and eating balanced meals throughout the day to avoid snacking on fatty and sugary foods in between.

How many calories should I eat in the third trimester?

When you reach the third trimester, your last 3 months of pregnancy, it is advised that you increase your calorie intake by around 200 calories per-day. If you’re expecting twins or more, you may need to increase calories to up to 350 calories per-day. Of course, we all come in various shapes and sizes, have slower or faster metabolisms and different lifestyles which will effect how many calories we need as an individual.

Figuring out your own calorie intake

The number of calories you need while you are pregnant depends on your height, body mass index (BMI) as well as how active you are and how effectively you burn calories. There are numerous apps and online tools that are able to estimate how many calories you should be eating but the best thing to do is talk to your midwife who will be able to advise you on managing your weight in pregnancy.

What should I eat to increase my calorie intake?

Increase your calorie intake by eating a balance of high-nutrient foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy products and lean meats rather than opting for the cookies and cream! That’s not to say you should feel guilty about eating the odd chocolate bar or packet of crisps though – we all deserve a treat now and again!

For more information on a balanced diet read our guide to sticking to a healthy diet in pregnancy. 

If you develop gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will advise you on the amount of calories and foods you should be eating to help manage the levels of sugar in your blood.

How can I keep track of how many calories I’m eating?

As long as you’re eating a healthy balanced diet and getting all the nutrients you need for you and your baby you shouldn’t get too bogged down in the number of calories. However, if you’re concerned about over or under eating your midwife may recommend keeping a food diary to help keep track of what you’re eating.

Healthy Eating While Pregnant

Without a doubt, a nutritious, well-balanced eating plan can be one of the greatest gifts you give to your developing baby. Pregnancy nutrition is essential to a healthy baby. Ideally, adopting a healthy eating plan before pregnancy is best. But no matter how many weeks are left on your countdown calendar, it’s never too late to start! Supplying your own body with a tasty blend of nutritious foods can improve your fertility, keep you feeling healthy during pregnancy, and pave the way for an easier labor. It can also help to establish essential building blocks of growth and overall health for your child.
Pregnancy is the one time in your life when your eating habits directly affect another person. Incorporating a variety of delicious vegetables, whole grains and legumes, lean protein, and other healthy food choices into your eating plan before and during pregnancy will give your baby a strong start in life.

Pregnancy Nutrition: Weight Change 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.

What to eat when pregnant: Food Groups

It is helpful to pay attention to the recommended daily servings from each food group. Most foods come with a nutrition label attached. This nutrition label will help you to know what amount constitutes one serving.

Pregnancy Nutrition: Protein

Experts recommend 75 to 100 grams of protein per day. Protein positively affects the growth of fetal tissue, including the brain. It also helps your breast and uterine tissue to grow during pregnancy, and it plays a role in your increasing blood supply.
Examples of daily sources of protein:
2-3 servings of meat (1 serving = approximately 3 ounces/size of a deck of cards)

• fully cooked fish or seafood
• liver
• chicken
• lean beef
• lamb
• pork
• nuts (1 serving = approximately ⅓ cup)
• tofu (1 serving = approximately ½ cup)

Safe Catch Tuna is an excellent source of protein and the only brand that tests its fish for mercury. Because each can of Safe Catch provides a pure and solid tuna steak with all the natural oils and nutrients essential for growing minds and bodies, it’s the official tuna of the American Pregnancy Association.

2-3 servings of legumes (1 serving = approximately ½ cup)

• split peas
• red and white kidney beans
• black beans
• navy beans
• black-eyed peas
• chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

Calcium

The daily requirement of calcium is around 1000 milligrams during pregnancy.  Calcium helps your body regulate fluids, and it helps build your baby’s bones and tooth buds.
Examples of daily sources of calcium:
3-4 servings of dairy

• milk (1 serving = 1 cup)
• eggs (1 serving = 1 large egg)
• yogurt (1 serving = 1 cup)
• pasteurized cheese (1 serving = approximately 1.5 ounces or 4 playing dice stacked together)
• tofu (1 serving = ½ cup)
• white beans (1 serving = approximately ½ cup)
• almonds (1 serving = approximately ⅓ cup)
• salmon (1 serving = approximately 3 ounces)
• turnip greens (1 serving = approximately 1 cup)
• cabbage (1 serving = approximately 1 cup)

Iron

In combination with sodium, potassium, and water, iron helps increase your blood volume and prevents anemia. A daily intake of 27 milligrams is ideal during pregnancy.
Examples of daily sources of iron:
2-3 servings of green leafy vegetables (1 serving = approximately 1 cup)

• collard
• turnip
• spinach
• lettuce
• cabbage

3 servings of whole grains (1 serving = approximately ½ cup or one slice)

• bread
• cornmeal
• cereal
• oatmeal

2-3 servings of lean protein (1 serving = approximately 3 ounces/size of a deck of cards)

• beef
• seafood
• poultry

Folate/Folic Acid

Folic acid plays a key role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Experts recommend 600 to 800 micrograms (.6 to .8 milligrams) daily.
Examples of daily sources of folate:
2 servings of dark green leafy vegetables (1 serving = approximately 1 cup)

• collard
• turnip
• spinach
• lettuce
• cabbage

2-3 servings of fruit (1 serving = approximately ½ cup)

• orange
• strawberry
• lemon
• mango
• tomato
• grapefruit
• kiwi
• melon

3 serving of whole grain (1 serving = approximately ½ cup or 1 slice)

• bread
• cornmeal
• cereal
• oatmeal

2 servings of legumes (1 serving = approximately ½ cup)

• split peas
• red and white kidney beans
• black beans
• navy beans
• black-eyed peas
• chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

Vitamin C

Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C will promote wound healing, tooth and bone development, and metabolic processes. Experts recommend at least 85 milligrams per day.
Examples of daily sources of Vitamin C:
3 servings of fruit or vegetables (1 serving = approximately ½ cup)

• orange
• strawberry
• lemon
• mango
• tomato
• grapefruit
• kiwi
• melon
• potato
• peppers

Pregnancy Ice Cream

Most pregnant women experience heartburn, acid reflux not to mention extra weight when they eat ice cream. Nightfood Nighttime Ice Cream is specially formulated to be pregnancy friendly while satisfying your cravings in a healthier, more sleep-friendly way. Visit their website to see how you can get a free pint and tame those crave monsters.

Pregnancy Nutrition Concerns

During pregnancy, some foods can cause harm to a developing baby. Be sure that all meats are thoroughly cooked to avoid exposure to toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and other harmful bacteria. Eliminate tobacco smoke, drug use, and alcohol consumption from your diet.
Reduce or eliminate caffeinated beverages (soda, coffee) from your daily intake, and maintain a reasonable exercise program throughout your pregnancy. Walking and swimming are considered healthy activities during pregnancy but always consult with your health care provider before starting a new exercise program.

Want to Know More?

• Food Safety During Pregnancy
• Common Foods Nutritional Data

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Blount, Darynee (2005). Growing a Baby: Diet and Nutrition in Pregnancy. The Birthkit, Issue 46.

2. Gatsa, Katie Gates (1997). Internal Ecosystem Health. Midwifery Today, Issue 42, pgs. 28-29.

3. Haas, Amy V. (1995). Nutrition During Pregnancy. Having a Baby Today, Issue 5.
The Bradley Birth Method.

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