Myth ‘Is it really necessary to eat for two during pregnancy?’

„From now on you have to eat for two“– a common saying many pregnant women hear. But does it really mean eating twice as much?

A permanently excessive calorie intake that exceeds the requirements could lead to excessive weight gain which in turn increases the risk for complications. The fact is that eating for two during pregnancy is not necessary.

A healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for the early development of the unborn infant. The nutrient requirements increase but not portion sizes of the meals. It is especially important during this unique stage of life to carefully choose foods with a high nutrient density, ensuring that both the developing infant and the expectant mother receive an adequate supply of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats as well as sufficient protein and energy intake.

During pregnancy the requirement for various nutrients, e.g. vitamins and minerals, increase significantly more than the energy requirement which, in fact, increases only slightly. Therefore, the energy intake should only be slightly increased – by up to about 10% - and generally not until the final months of pregnancy. To cover the slightly higher amount of energy required, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends – for pregnant women of normal weight – an additional energy intake of 250 kcal per day during the second trimester and 500 kcal per day during the third trimester, assuming physical activity remains unchanged.