Your body becomes more efficient when you’re expecting a baby and makes even better use of the energy you get from the food you eat. Following the old saying “eating for two” is not necessary.
However, it is recommended that if you were getting the right amount of kilojoules a day before you were pregnant, you will need extra kilojoules in your second and third trimesters.
The average woman needs an extra 1400kJ a day during the second trimester, which is the equivalent of two slices of wholemeal toast with avocado and a piece of fruit, or a banana smoothie with yoghurt. In your third trimester you need an extra 500kj a day than in your second trimester. A 500kj snack is equivalent to a small muesli bar or half a cup of yoghurt with half a cup of berries. Your extra kilojoules should come from healthy food, not extra treats.
