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Expert Q&A

	By Allison Gamble Nutritionist/Diet Technician Highland Park Hospital, Illinois

How much do I have to eat every day? I am six months pregnant and I'm worried about malnutrition because I have only gained 4 or 5 pounds so far. Is this bad?

There are many variables in determining how many calories you need. Your height, weight, activity level and current health status, among others. Are you overweight? Underweight? An underweight person needs to gain more weight during pregnancy than an overweight one. Remember, during pregnancy, it is not about simple weight gain. Are you eating healthy foods? The nutrients are what is key. The second and third trimester is really when the baby's growth rate picks up and the need for an extra 300 calories is added. Average weight gain is two to five pounds in the first trimester. Then during the second and third trimester the average weight gain is 3/4 to one pound per week. I have read that 2000 to 2200 calories in the first trimester is the basic amount to consume. Then 2300-2500 calories in the second and third trimesters. My questions to you would be: Are you overly concerned with weight gain? Are you trying to diet during your pregnancy? Are you so nauseated that you can't keep anything down? Are you eating healthy foods, not skipping meals, and otherwise following a healthy lifestyle? Since I don't know the answers it is hard to answer your question of how many calories to consume.

Everyone is different! Deprivation of the nutrients and calories your baby needs will cause malnutrition. Low birth weight babies are more at risk for death, and problems that result in the first few years of life. That is why it is not good to diet during pregnancy. You really need to address weight gain concerns with your doctor. He/she will do a better job figuring out why you are not gaining weight.

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