How much more food should an expectant mother eat?

answer:

It’s important to eat well when you’re pregnant to give your baby a healthy start. But you don’t have to ‘eat for 2’, as some well-meaning people may have suggested.

In the first three months, you generally won’t need to consume too many extra kilojoules. In the second and third trimesters, an extra 1,400 to 1,900 kilojoules per day will likely offer a healthy weight gain as your baby grows. It’s ideal to get those extra kilojoules from nutritious foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes, lean meat, fish, and low-fat dairy products all fall into this category.

Check that your diet contains nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, iodine, and protein, which will keep you healthy and offer your baby a healthy start.

It’s crucial to stay away from foods that are high in sugar and/or fat and lack vitamins and minerals.

It’s also crucial to maintain your fluid intake; it’s recommended that you consume about 2L of water every day. If you’re not retaining enough fluids due to morning sickness, consult your doctor or a health expert.