Does a pregnant mother need to eat the amount for two people?

Elders often say that pregnant mothers cannot stop eating to maintain their figure; they need to eat more so that the baby can absorb nutrients. Is this really the case?

In fact, a reasonable arrangement of diet and physical activity and maintaining a reasonable weight gain can promote the growth and development of the baby.

Pregnant mothers in the early stages of pregnancy who do not have obvious early pregnancy reactions can continue to maintain a balanced diet before pregnancy. Pregnant women with obvious early pregnancy reactions do not need to emphasize balanced diet and regular meals, and ensure that they consume at least 130g of carbohydrates every day, or seek help from a doctor. Foods containing 130g of carbohydrates, such as 180g of rice or noodles, 550g of potatoes, etc. Starting from the second trimester, the intake of nutrients such as high-quality protein, calcium, iron, and iodine should be appropriately increased. The amount of milk consumed per day in the middle and late stages of pregnancy increases to 500g, the total intake of fish, poultry, meat, and eggs in the middle stage of pregnancy increases to 150-200g, and the third stage of pregnancy increases to 175-225g; animal blood or liver is consumed 1-2 times a week, and marine fish is consumed 2-3 times a week. Pregnant mothers should eat both fullness and goodness, avoid eating too much at one time, and can supplement some fruits, milk, eggs, and other foods between meals.

How much weight gain is appropriate during pregnancy? On average, a total weight gain of about 12kg is appropriate, with a weight gain of no more than 2kg in the early stages of pregnancy and about 350g per week in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. The appropriate weight gain values ​​and weight gain rates for women with different BMIs before pregnancy are shown in the figure below.

If the elders insist on their own ideas, the pregnant mother may wish to communicate with the prospective father and let him coordinate on her behalf. Or take the elders to attend the pregnant mother class and let the medical staff popularize scientific nutrition knowledge to them. Adjust your mentality and adapt to the changes during pregnancy with a positive and optimistic attitude, so that the baby can feel the great wisdom of the mother.

Reference: "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022)"