How many calories do you aim for whilst pregnant?

[HJWT]

Just that really, how many calories do you aim to eat in a day?

Decided to calorie count today as I am trying to not eat as much rubbish and 'on the go food' and iv only had 1600 with my snack I will have later! For my weight and height that is enough to be losing 2LB a week but I haven't gone hungry🤔

Whats the recommended extra calorie allowance when your pregnant? 🍩

You don't need any extra food when you're pregnant.

You need around 200 extra calories a day in the 3rd trimester:

www.babycentre.co.uk/x568598/how-many-calories-a-day-do-i-need-while-im-pregnant

However my body thought otherwise in the last 6 weeks of the 1st trimester as I ate constantly or felt very sick!

@ArgyMargy well I don't think we should be giving that advice for everyone really.

@withsexypantsandasausagedog I feel you! The first 16 weeks I only wanted rubbish food, now 22 weeks so really trying to bring it back...

So as long as I am not letting myself be hungry lower calories some days is fine ? 😁

I'd say as long as you're eating good, 'whole' foods then you should be well within the calorie intake and not get hungry.

the nhs advice is you don't need extra until the last trimester and even then it's only 200 extra. I just eat as I would do before pregnancy just make tweaks such as choosing to steam veg over boiling or swapping white rice for brown egg

etc not egg!

Are you using myfitnesspal? I set it to maintain weight for the first two trimesters, and I'm currently in my third trimester so I've added on 200 calories per day as per NHS guidelines. I tend to go by weekly average calories rather than daily.

I think it must differ for everyone. I dont get a huge amount of calories but I didn't before pregnancy either. I'd just carry on eating what you were before pregnancy and maybe add in a glass of milk and something else.

No extra food before now. I am in my third trimester and have only started to pack an extra apple and bag of popcorn in my lunch box. Extra 200 calories.

I only drink water too really, so I don't use my drinks to boost calories.

Eating for two is a myth and it annoys me when people tell me I should be. I am measuring correct and I am only 5ft 1 so didn't want a "I've had the baby, why haven't I lost all my baby weight " scenario... (Maybe it's because you ate another 1000 calories a day? That your body didn't need so stored as fat?)
That annoys me so much, that women are amazed by this. I don't do a physical job so am going to the gym 3 times a week. I don't feel as though I am undernourished.

That's just me though, everyone is entitled to do what they feel is best in their pregnancy.

ArgyMargy well I don't think we should be giving that advice for everyone really

Why not? It is true! Unless you are trying to gain weight because your BMI is already too low then you only need an extra 200 cal/day in the last trimester.

@mrbob well thats my exact point, my SIL was definitely not eating enough when she found out she was pregnant and was told to up her calories.

I just eat as I feel like it and aim to have fruits and veggies (I'm not always the best at getting 5 a day) and I take a prenatal and pregnancy fish oil vitamin. I tend to hold on to weight when pregnant. When not pregnant I eat whatever I want and never put weight. When pregnant, the weight piles on. But I also lose it all with out effort after having the baby (it comes off slowly, but surely). All women are different. Some women pay attention to calories etc. I think as long as you gain the recommended amount and getting enough nutrition its fine.....bc if you don't, your baby will take from you. Some women lose teeth when pregnant because they are not getting enough nutrition!

well thats my exact point, my SIL (sister-in-law) was definitely not eating enough when she found out she was pregnant and was told to up her calories.

to be fair OP if that was your situation then you’d be at fault for not including crucial information in your OP.

As others have highlighted, you don’t need extra until the third trimester, and even then it’s 200 per day which is the equivalent of two bananas.

The NHS guidelines are very clear for women who are a normal weight, and if you’re not then you’ll have received specific guidance from your midwife or doctor.

Sadly many women use pregnancy as a reason to eat as much of whatever food they like as they like, leading to complications like excessive weight gain and increased risk of gestational diabetes. Stay sensible and eat a normal balanced diet of around 1800-2000 calories per day depending on your activity level. PP were answering your question accurately with good medical info so there’s no need to be snotty.

As long as you’re not using My Fitness pal to get your minimum calorie intake it’s healthy. MFP often lets you ignore activity and when you’re pregnant and not overweight that’s important.

@ChilliAndRiceIsVeryNice did you read the original comment? Clearly not!?