Im pregnant, how many calories should i eat to maintain?

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Replies

  • suziepoo1984
    suziepoo1984 Posts: 915 Member
    I did not count calories or macros during pregnancy! Took the first 5 months of pregnancy as excuse to eat! I gained about 25 pounds or so by then :embarrassed:
    Was diagnosed with Gestational diabetes and had to meet a nutritionist every week after that! I had to write down my food, walk after every meal, eat lots of protein, control portions, drink lots of water, lots of veggies, less fruit because of GD. I initially lost 4 pounds, but then gained only about 8 more pounds until the end of my pregnancy. I did not have to take any medication for the GD with the controlled portion and walks!
    Baby was born healthy, but small! Definitely not what doctor predicted, i doubt she was not even full term! She was around 6 pounds.
    So you are doing the right thing by logging your food, track your macros! Get in enough fats and proteins, stay active and you will do just great! And oh, yes, Congratulations:drinker: I had the time of my life during pregnancy!
  • chatogal
    chatogal Posts: 436 Member
    What did your doctor say?

    or midwife!!!
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    What did your doctor say?

    or midwife!!!

    In England we see a midwife, not a doctor, and they're not bothered about your weight beyond the booking appointment around 11 weeks where you get weighed to check your BMI. They don't seem that clued up on exercise and weight during pregnancy to be honest.

    I'm 26 weeks pregnant this Sun and eat around 1800 calories a day, and will probably increase this to 2000 in my third trimester. I'm 5'6 and was 154lbs before pregnancy, after losing nearly 70lbs after my second baby. I was eating 1500 a day.

    The calories I eat are fine for me. If I'm hungry, I'll eat a little more, but I'm finding 1800 is enough at the moment. I'm working out 4-5 times a week.
  • ewhsweets
    ewhsweets Posts: 167 Member
    I'm 16 weeks. I have a small athletic build and was very very fit prior to being pregnant 120lb prior to being prego. I use MFP to make sure I'm getting 'enough'. I would just make sure what you put into your body is healthy, regular and that you're eating when you're hungry. I'm anywhere between 1700-2000 calories depending on if I work out and end up hungry again :) If you're super-concerned about it, ask your doc when you go to your next visit.

    P.S. Stay OFF those internet forums that say EVERY woman should gain 3-5 during first trimester and 1-1.5 lb a week the second two or something is wrong....EVERY WOMAN IS DIFFERENT.
  • missyont
    missyont Posts: 79
    You arenèt supposed to maintain your weight. You need to GAIN 25-35 lbs if you are in a normal weight range.
  • nainai0585
    nainai0585 Posts: 199 Member
    Obviously put yourself at maintenance calories if you haven't already. From all the research I have done on this subject, the common trend is to increase the calories by 200 in the second trimester and 300 in the third. As all mothers know, the baby is a leech and will take from you exactly what it needs, so there's no need to eat for two, more like eating for 1.5 people, and that's when your full term. Continue to count calories and if your weight gain is right on track and your doctor is happy, keep doing it. Congrats on the pregnancy and stay healthy.
  • eliseofthejungle
    eliseofthejungle Posts: 113 Member
    I think the *general* recommendation is maintenance for the first trimester, +100-300 above maintenance second, and +300-500 above maintenance for third and while breastfeeding.

    This is basically what I stuck to. For me it was 1500 first tri, 1600-1700 second tri, and 1800 third tri. I went a week past due, gained 18 lbs total, and was back to pre-preg weight and clothes (meaning I could put them on - they didn't necessarily look right because my actual body-shape did not "bounce right back" lol) by two weeks postpartum. But, I was between 25 and 30 lbs overweight when I got knocked up, so my doctor was perfectly fine with me counting calories. I was recommended to only gain 15ish lbs anyway.

    Moral of the story, don't eat A LOT more than you normally would and talk to your doctor.
  • fstfrd00
    fstfrd00 Posts: 33 Member
    What did your doctor say?
  • blameitonpickle
    blameitonpickle Posts: 2
    You've gotten good calorie advice (maintenance + 300 calories per day in 2nd and 3rd trimester) but I just wanted to add that you need to make sure you're getting enough protein and healthy fats in your diet. The growing baby needs more protein and fat than you most likely ate pre-pregnancy, and the added protein also really helped my energy levels while pregnant. I didn't have any morning sickness, but I also have heard that the extra protein relieves that as well. A good protein goal is 60-90g per day (depending on your weight).

    Here's a good link to some pregnancy nutrition info: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/eating_right_before_and_during_pregnancy/
  • stephysd
    stephysd Posts: 2,410 Member
    I am currently 23 weeks pregnant and what I was recommended by midwife (I live in US) to change my goal settings to Maintenance. For the second and third trimester I was to change to gain half a pound per week. I started off with my BMI at the low end of overweight, so we are aiming for a 15-20 pound weight gain. So far I am at a 7 pound gain from my first doctor appointment. If you look at my profile it will say that I have not gained as much as I started my weight measurements when I found out I was pregnant at week 5. The first trimester was rough and I lost quite a bit of weight. My first doctor appointment I was in the 150's and that is where we are basing the weight gain measurements off of. She stated that I am need to change third trimester to gain 1 pound a week, but we would play it by ear.

    I am to eat back any exercise calories. She also recommended that if I am hungry and don't have calories avaiable that I eat. Not that I wouldn't because I love my food and happily eat. But overall she was happy that I logged my meals/day with MFP as she stated those that are aware of what they are eating usually have a healthy pregnancy and get the nutrients that they need.

    Today is a turning into a great over day as I have a craving that I can not decide what it is and everything I have ate so far has yet to satisify it. I would highly suggest at your next appointment to STRESS to your doctor that you really want to discuss weight gain during the pregnancy and what is appropriate calorie amount. When I had my discussion with the midwife I had already figured out my maintenance amount and what I was thinking of increasing calories to for the second trimester. I had printed off the graph showing how much I was consuming and addressed with her my concern that I was not getting enough iron. If you come prepared and it might help get a better response.

    Feel free to add me as a friend if you want as well.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    You've gotten good calorie advice (maintenance + 300 calories per day in 2nd and 3rd trimester) but I just wanted to add that you need to make sure you're getting enough protein and healthy fats in your diet. The growing baby needs more protein and fat than you most likely ate pre-pregnancy, and the added protein also really helped my energy levels while pregnant. I didn't have any morning sickness, but I also have heard that the extra protein relieves that as well. A good protein goal is 60-90g per day (depending on your weight).

    Here's a good link to some pregnancy nutrition info: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/eating_right_before_and_during_pregnancy/

    +1 Strong first post! :flowerforyou:

    I would say to eat even more protein than that, though. 100+ grams
  • Shedding4Wedding2014
    Shedding4Wedding2014 Posts: 92 Member
    Speak to a professional...
  • HollisGrant
    HollisGrant Posts: 2,022 Member
    What did your doctor say?

    ^^ This. Ask the doctor. And congratulations!
  • p1xyn1xy
    p1xyn1xy Posts: 461 Member
    If you're at 1500 and running a 300 calorie deficit, then increase it to 1800 to maintain. I would stay there unless you feel you need more, but not until the 2nd or third trimester. Most of the weight gain for the baby should be in the third trimester. But talk to the Doctor, he should be able to answer you questions. I wouldn't just wing it. That's how so many people end up on here with a lot of baby weight to lose.
  • meganjcallaghan
    meganjcallaghan Posts: 949 Member
    i noticed someone suggest low fat dairy stuff.....careful with "low fat" as often it means higher in grams of sugar and you want to avoid gestational diabetes like the plague
  • Felecia1923
    Felecia1923 Posts: 61 Member
    Im 28 weeks pregnant and my doctor told me from the beginining of my pregnancy that I could eat 1800 calories but no less.
  • rbarzat
    rbarzat Posts: 11 Member
    Excited to hear what your doctor says! I won't get in to see mine for another week or two! Fingers crossed my exercise and healthier eating habits are somewhere along the right track... :)
  • vdolmstead
    vdolmstead Posts: 17 Member
    Here's a place to find your specific answer:
    http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/calculate-calories-needed-during-pregnancy-1600.html
    :happy:
  • imagitfit
    imagitfit Posts: 1 Member
    congrats. your maintenance cal is about 2400 (approx). eat about 350 above this during first trimester. eat 500 above maintenance during second trimester. macros ratios % fat-25, carb-50, protein-25. counting calories is not absolutely necessary, but it's a great habit for long term weight control. Weight gain doesn't just "happen" due to pregnancy, but is healthy and necessary. That's my educated opinion, I hope it helps. good luck and god bless
  • krazziekid78
    krazziekid78 Posts: 4 Member
    You should increase your caloric intake by about 200 calories for a healthy pregnancy :)
  • cocolo89
    cocolo89 Posts: 1,169 Member
    I think the *general* recommendation is maintenance for the first trimester, +100-300 above maintenance second, and +300-500 above maintenance for third and while breastfeeding.
    Try not to get too caught up in it though. I micromanaged my calories during pregnancy and didn't eat enough, and it resulted in lack of weight gain on both my part and my daughter's part. I was induced at 37 weeks because she wasn't thriving properly anymore. She was 6 lbs 4 oz and thankfully as healthy as can be, but calorie counting because of my paranoia of gaining too much should NOT have been my priority. I would instead focus on eating nutrient-rich foods and not focus on the numbers too much. :)

    sounds like a perfectly healthy weight for baby to me! At 37wks 6#4oz is not small at all. She would have been around 7 1/2lbs which is average! I had my daughter at 40wks (induced because they were worried about her size) 6lbs14oz, which is perfectly healthy weight, I was NOT counting calories, I was eating lots of fast food and working on my feet 8-10hrs a day 40+hrs a week. Gained 50lbs with her, yikes. With my son I exercised 3-5 days a week up until I gave birth and ate 1800-2000 cals a day, sometimes more. Gained the recommended 33-34lbs and had him 39wks5days 7#6oz. I did have a smaller than average size belly and the drs started monitoring me at the end, but when I had him they said he is perfect weight and I just was smaller cause I was more fit and did a good job staying active. They said if I have more pregnancies they wont even worry about it anymore.
  • rachelamber_x
    rachelamber_x Posts: 104 Member
    I know the UK guidelines say an extra 200 cals a day in the third trimester is all that is needed.

    ETA: This comes from my nutrition in pregnancy module of my degree last year
  • MelissaPhippsFeagins
    MelissaPhippsFeagins Posts: 8,063 Member
    I had mild gestational diabetes (controlled by diet, thank God) during pregnancy #3 and from diagnosis to his birth and for all of pregnancy # 4 I was on a strict 1800 cal/day diabetic diet. (#3 weighed over 9lbs, #4 was 7.5 lbs.) If GD isn't a problem, and you are a healthy weight now, 2000-2400 calories is probably a good goal. Good luck finding your sweet spot and congrats on the baby!!!
  • deepthavinay
    deepthavinay Posts: 13
    During my pregnancy I was eating around 1800 cals a day. 300 more than my usual. Just listen to your body and eat when your hungry, stop when full coz pregnancy is different for different people.
  • misskris78
    misskris78 Posts: 136 Member
    If you can swing it, I'd recommend going to see an nutritionist. In my opinion, it's very worthwhile.

    My first pregnancy, I ate like a horse, and gained 35 lbs. My second pregnancy, I counted calories, and stuck between 1800 and 2000 per day, exercised 4-5 days per week, and I gained 22 pounds. Pregnancy #2, I felt fantastic (once the morning sickness was done!) Both babies were in the 7-1/2 lb range. Induced both times, since mine like to stick around a little longer than they should :) I started the second pregnancy at 150 lbs and 5'-5". For me, that's a comfortable US Size 6.

    Good luck with your pregnancy and enjoy the journey!!!
  • nathaliasmommy91
    nathaliasmommy91 Posts: 9
    Being that your pregnant you aren't going to maintain your weight. There is healthy weight gain and unhealthy weight gain. I've
    h!ad both and the healthy weight I lost without even trying( healthy weight being 15 pounds heavier after giving birth). The unhealthy(being 50 pounds heavier after giving birth) is not showing as easy to loose.....
  • MVY_
    MVY_ Posts: 253 Member
    your normal calories + an extra 300 :)
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    First trimester, eat at maintenance (you're past this stage), second trimester maintenance +200, third trimester maintenance +300-500.

    Don't try to lose or stay the same weight in pregnancy. You shouldn't even try to lose if you're overweight going into a pregnancy. I think the recommendation to maintain only applies to the seriously obese, which you are not. You need to eat enough to raise your blood volume, prepare your body to produce milk, keep your body nourished so you don't have issues after the baby is born, avoid premature labor, avoid low birth weight, etc.

    Don't overdo it, and if you see you're gaining too much, slow down the next week.

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