Diet in Pregnancy

An adequate diet is perhaps more important during pregnancy than at any other time in a woman's life. Because an expectant mother actually shares everything she consumes with her unborn baby, she must eat enough healthful foods to supply both herself and her child with the nutrients each needs. For this reason, most women are advised to eat an additional 200 to 300 calories a day during pregnancy and to gain at least 25 pounds. Usually, an expectant mother gains little or no weight during the early weeks of pregnancy. By the end of the third month, however, she is likely to gain at a steady rate of about one pound a week until term.