Weight gain during pregnancy is vital to the health of both baby and mother. Increased weight nourishes the unborn baby, helps mommy with an easier birth and supports both during breastfeeding. But everything within reason.
One of the perks of being pregnant is that you can gain weight and lose the guilt. On average, women gain between 25-35 pounds by the end of their pregnancy. While much of this weight is in increased fluid, enlarged breasts and uterus, and the growing baby and placenta, some of those extra pounds will stay with you after the birth. It's these pounds you want to think about when you enjoy "eating for two" during pregnancy.
First Trimester
The first trimester, or the first three months of pregnancy, is difficult for many women because of morning sickness. And often, women report that they lose a bit of weight. This should not pose a problem for the growing fetus because at this point of development, the baby is about the size of a bean, and requires few calories.
So at this point, no, mommy is not eating for two. Healthy weight gain during the first trimester ranges from 3-5 pounds as long as the mother wasn't over or underweight before pregnancy. Overweight women will need to gain less weight throughout their entire pregnancy. And underweight women should gain a bit more than the average person.
Second Trimester
By the end of the second trimester, at about 6 months, the baby should weigh about 2 1/2 pounds. During the three months of the second trimester, mommy should have been gaining about 1-2 pounds per week. You're feeding more than a bean at this point.
Although the baby is bigger, it still does not constitute a whole other person equal to yourself. At this point, you should be increasing your total caloric intake about 300 calories per day from what it was before you got pregnant. A 300-calorie meal could be a cup or cereal, 8 oz. of milk, a banana and a cup of coffee or tea. So one extra healthy meal a day!
Third Trimester
By this point, the last three months of pregnancy, you're filled with excitement and ready to let go of that extra 300-calorie-a-day privilege. In terms of weight gain, this period remains the same as the previous one - you should be gaining weight at a rate of 1-2 pounds per week. Your baby, on average, is about 7.5 pounds.
Eating for Two
In one sense, nutritionally, you are eating for two during pregnancy. Eating healthy is never more important because what you put in your body is feeding both you and your growing baby. Your baby is totally dependent on you for getting enough vitamins and nutrients to have a good start in life.
As far as the amount of food you eat, you are not eating for two. Keep in mind that it is not the quantity you eat during pregnancy that is important, it is the quality.
