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The Daily Insight

How many extra calories do you need when pregnant?

Author

Olivia Shea

Updated on March 02, 2026

Here is an overview of how calorie needs change during each trimester: The first trimester does not require any extra calories. During the second trimester, an additional 340 calories a day are recommended. For the third trimester, the recommendation is 450 calories more a day than when not pregnant.

Do you burn more calories when pregnant?

They also looked up data on the number of calories women burn while pregnant and lactating. A study from 2005 showed (paywall) they tend to burn roughly twice as many calories as normal.

Is 2000 calories enough in third trimester?

The recommended daily calorie intake for a woman is around 2,000 calories a day. Once you get to the third trimester, you may need extra 200 calories, depending on how active you are.

What happens if you don’t eat enough calories when pregnant?

A lack of nutrition in the womb can actually affect the foetal metabolism and predispose the baby to type 2 diabetes before it is even born. As well as metabolic problems, undernutrition in the womb can also increase the risk of cancers, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases and kidney problems.

Is 1800 calories enough for a pregnant woman?

Eating a well-rounded diet with all of the right nutrients and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day is important for a healthy pregnancy. For most normal-weight pregnant women, the right amount of calories is: About 1,800 calories per day during the first trimester.

Does your metabolism increase when pregnant?

Metabolic rates increase substantially by just 15 weeks’ gestation and peak in the third trimester during the greatest growth phase. This increased metabolic rate may put pregnant women at a higher risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

When do you need to increase your calories during pregnancy?

Here’s what you’ll need now that you’re expecting: First trimester: You probably won’t need any additional calories during your first trimester. Second trimester: Up your daily calorie intake by 300 to 350 calories per day – that’s the equivalent of, say, two glasses of skim milk and a bowl of oatmeal. Third trimester: You’ll need about an extra 450 to 500 calories per day.

How to calculate your pregnancy calorie needs?

How to Calculate Calories Needed During Pregnancy First Trimester. Some women tend to eat less during the first trimester because of morning sickness and nausea, while others give themselves permission to eat more of all their favorite Second and Third Trimester. Expected Weight Gain. Increasing Calories Healthily.

How many calories should you take during pregnancy?

About 1,800 calories per day during the first trimester

  • About 2,200 calories per day during the second trimester
  • About 2,400 calories per day during the third trimester
  • What is a healthy diet during pregnancy?

    Cereals,grains and starchy foods Include a portion at each meal.

  • Fruits and vegetables. Aim to eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables each day,choosing more vegetables than fruit.
  • Protein-rich foods. These include lean meat and chicken,fish,eggs and dal,pulses (such as beans and lentils).
  • Dairy foods.