First Trimester - Eat more?

[Anonymous]

I recently found out I'm pregnant. Do I really need to eat any more than usual for the first trimester? I've read different things. I haven't been a dieter in years and so already eat very healthy and in sufficient quantities for my height/weight. But do I need to eat more than I am used to even at this early stage?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently found out I'm pregnant. Do I really need to eat any more than usual for the first trimester? I've read different things. I haven't been a dieter in years and so already eat very healthy and in sufficient quantities for my height/weight. But do I need to eat more than I am used to even at this early stage?

No you don't. Once you get further along it is recommended to add about 300 calories more to your diet.

Congratulations!

[Anonymous]

Eat when you're hungry, watch the scale. You don't need to be gaining a ton of weight in first trimester, if any. If you're losing weight, consider adding more calories into your diet, unless you were obese to begin with. And even then, if you're shedding pounds, it's hard on you phsyically...not a good time to lose weight.

[Anonymous]

I think they say you only "need" an extra 200 or 300 calories a day. But I'd just eat normally unless you find yourself hungrier. I've never had to ask this question because I'm always STARVING in the first trimester and just eat constantly (probably way more than the recommended calories). But somehow I don't usually gain much weight in the first trimester. I say just listen to your body unless you're gaining significantly more weight than recommended or you're losing a ton of weight.

[Anonymous]

You probably don't need to eat more, but you might find that eating the same amount spread out more during the day is better. I get pretty hungry and that hunger easily turns to nausea if I don't eat. So I try to stretch my food out and keep granola bars with me whenever I'm out. I find I go from not thinking about food at all to need to eat this very minute or else I will die. If morning sickness or food aversions become an issue though, do your best to get in good calories even though you feel terrible. You shouldn't lose weight, but you also shouldn't gain more than one or two pounds/wk if that. I'm 9 weeks and have gained 2 lbs overall.

[sybersus]

Eat when you are hungry, and try to maintain a healthful diet. That's the most you can ask for. I've heard the goal is to stay about the same weight in the first trimester, then gain a pound a week after that. Some people lose weight in the first trimester, some gain a little, but no matter what most of the weight gain should be later in the pregnancy. Congrats, by the way, on your pregnancy!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

If you actually feel like eating during first trimester, count your blessings! And don't freak out if you do lose weight in the next few weeks. I lost 6 pounds by week 12, but have definitely made it make up and am in the normal range for weight gain now at 30 weeks, with a pretty healthy diet overall.

I agree with the PP to plan to stagger your eating throughout the day. Keep snacks at your desk and in your purse. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks everyone for the advice and the congratulations!