Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION 573
NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS DURING PREGNANCY
Pregnant women need more calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients than they
did before pregnancy. However, the increase in nutrient requirements is relatively
greater than the increase in caloric needs, emphasizing the importance of a nutrientdense
diet. A dietary pattern focused on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes,
fish, and vegetable oils, and lower in red and processed meats, refined grains, and added
sugars is associated with a reduced risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational
diabetes and hypertension. 5 There is nothing revolutionary about this dietary pattern—it’s
what is recommended for everyone! However, it’s even more beneficial during pregnancy, as
it promotes both maternal and fetal health.
Energy Intake and Weight Gain
During the first trimester, energy requirements are generally not increased, so women
should consume about the same number of calories as they did before pregnancy. As fetal
growth ramps up, energy requirements increase by about 340 calories per day in the second
trimester and 450 calories per day in the third trimester. This is just an average; individual
energy requirements vary depending on factors such as activity level and body weight before
pregnancy. 6-7
Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy. The growth of the fetus accounts for about 6
to 8 pounds of weight gain by the end of the pregnancy. Much of the rest comes from the
development and expansion of tissues and fluids to support the pregnancy, including the
placenta, uterus, breasts, amniotic fluid, blood, and maternal body fluids. In addition, women
starting pregnancy at a normal weight should gain about 8 to 10 pounds of body fat and
protein during pregnancy, in part to prepare for lactation. 3