Do I really need to eat an additional 300 calories a day?

[Anonymous]

I have not had my 1st drs appt yet, my dr wants you to schedule between 8-10 weeks. Here is my situation....

I am at the top of the range for a healthy weight. Another 2 pounds pre-pregnancy would have put me into the "Overweight" category. I have found that since finding out I am pregnant, I am eating a lot healthier. Cut out empty calories and replacing them with high quality foods. I have not lost weight - just stable right now.

I know it is only 300 calories that they recommend - which is not a lot in the whole scheme of things. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Don't start consciously adding calories, you'll end up gaining a lot of weight. Just eat healthy foods, only when you're hungry. You'll gain weight, don't worry. It will go in spurts. At one appointment, my doc admonished me for not gaining any weight. (Wasn't really trying one way or the other). At the next appointment, she laughed and said "I didn't mean THAT much weight!".

[Anonymous]

During the first trimester you do not need any additional calories. The 300 estimate is for the second and third trimester only.

[Anonymous]

who told you to add 300 calories?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:During the first trimester you do not need any additional calories. The 300 estimate is for the second and third trimester only.

Yep. And if you are at the top of your weight range, you may not need the extra. Check with your doctor at your first appt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:who told you to add 300 calories?

Uh - it's written in every single piece of lit written about pregnancy and food!!

I am in the same position as you. I ended up losing 10 lbs in the first 3 wks due to morning sickness/healthier lifestyle.
I feel great now and haven't gained much. I'm really just committed to being as healthy as possible!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:who told you to add 300 calories?

Uh - it's written in every single piece of lit written about pregnancy and food!!

I am in the same position as you. I ended up losing 10 lbs in the first 3 wks due to morning sickness/healthier lifestyle.
I feel great now and haven't gained much. I'm really just committed to being as healthy as possible!

Not for the first trimester it's not. When the time comes you won't need to concentrate on adding extra calories, especially if you have some stored weight, as I did. Focusing on eating healthily is the perfect goal.