How Much Food is Enough

[anniegeedee]

How should I eat while pregnant? Is it three well balanced meals? Small portioned meals every 2-3 hours? Something different? I don't want to over-indulge and definitely don't want to not eat enough for baby. Let me know, thank you!

[mom2many]

Most pregnant women do better with around five small meals a day, as opposed to three large meals. The balance of food helps to regulate blood sugar and prevent morning sickness. Some experts believe this is the way that all people should eat in an ideal world.

As for getting down to what you should be eating, that depends on many factors. Women who were underweight before pregnancy may need a little more, those who are overweight may not need to eat or gain as much. A healthy weight gain for most women during pregnancy is around 11.5 Kg. It is generally recommended that a woman, pregnant with a single baby, and in average shape, consume around 300 extra calories per day. That could be accomplished with a few spoons of nut butter or a couple of glasses of whole milk.

The best thing I can recommend is that you drink plenty of water, stick to healthy foods, and avoid fillers and so-called empty calories like soda. As long as you are eating healthy foods, until satisfied, you should have nothing to worry about.

You may also find some of the articles in the What to Eat in Pregnancy section of this page helpful when making dietary decisions.

[anniegeedee]

Thanks for the info!