The impact of over eating when pregnant

The old saying “eating for two” when pregnant is a myth. The mother should eat a sufficient amount of food to sustain her energy levels and to keep herself and her baby healthy. Over eating leads to unnecessary weight gain, that could lead to complications during the delivery process. Some pregnant women may feel cravings for certain types of food more than usual and it is true that the appetite of the pregnant woman can increase, but studies show that the calories required by a pregnant woman and a non-pregnant woman remain the same; approximately 2000 calories per day, depending on your activity levels.

Follow a balanced diet to provide your baby with all the necessary nutrients. Some women who have vitamin deficiencies may need to take supplements, such as iron. The most important elements any person needs to live healthily are water, proteins, good fats (LDL), carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. All of these can be found in ‘real’ food and taking supplements may not be necessary.