Eating for two?
Contrary to popular belief and as tempting as it might be, the need to ‘eat for two’ is unnecessary and out of date. On average, a pregnant women needs few extra calories during her pregnancy.
Up until six months into your pregnancy, the baby will grow well without you needing any extra calories. In the last three months of pregnancy, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that only an extra 200kcal per day is needed. This equates to no more than a couple of slices of bread or a good portion of fruit and fat-free fromage frais, so it’s definitely not eating for two – sorry!
For more 200kcal snacks, click here.
If you are underweight (with a BMI lower than 18.5, check yours here), you may not be eating enough food to supply your own body and your growing baby with the nutrients you both need. Talk to your midwife or GP for advice.
