What is the recommended daily calorie intake for a pregnant woman?

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Last updated: February 10, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Pregnant women should consume an additional 300 kcal/day during the second and third trimester.

  • The energy needs for pregnant women do not increase in the first trimester, unless the woman begins pregnancy with depleted body reserves 1.
  • An additional 300 kcal/day are suggested during the second and third trimester to support increases in maternal blood volume, breast, uterus and adipose tissue, placental growth, fetal growth, and amniotic fluids 1.
  • Adequate energy intake is crucial for pregnant women, and successful pregnancy outcomes have been reported with lower energy intakes, but 300 kcal/day is the recommended increase 1.
  • In addition to adequate energy intake, pregnant women should also consume a healthy diet with adequate protein (0.75 g/kg plus an additional 10 g/day) and other essential nutrients 1.
  • It is also recommended that pregnant women consume 400 µg/day of folic acid from fortified foods and/or a supplement to prevent neural tube defects and other congenital abnormalities 1.

From the Research

The recommended daily calorie intake for pregnant women varies depending on several factors, including pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), trimester, and activity level.

  • According to 2, no additional calories are required in the first trimester, while an additional 340 kcal/d and 452 kcal/d are needed for the second and third trimesters, respectively.
  • Energy intake also depends on pre-gravid BMI, with underweight women requiring an increase of 150, 200, and 300 kcal/d during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively 2.
  • Normal weight women require an increase of 0, 350, and 500 kcal/d during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, while obese women require an increase of 0, 450, and 350 kcal/d 2.
  • A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the overall average energy intake during pregnancy was 2036.10 kcal/d, with higher energy intake in American and Eastern Mediterranean regions 3.
  • Another study found that energy intake requirements for recommended weight gain during the second and third trimesters were not increased compared to energy requirements early in pregnancy, and that energy intake should not exceed energy expenditure 4.

Factors Affecting Energy Intake

Several factors can affect energy intake during pregnancy, including:

  • Pre-pregnancy BMI 2, 4
  • Trimester 3, 2
  • Activity level 4
  • Dietary patterns 5
  • Region and culture 3

Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy

A healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for supporting fetal growth and development, as well as maternal health outcomes 5.

  • A diet rich in nutrient-dense, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats, can help support optimal health for both mother and baby 5.
  • Avoiding diets that severely restrict any macronutrient class, such as the ketogenic diet or Paleo diet, is recommended 5.
  • Comprehensive nutritional supplementation, including multiple micronutrients and balanced protein energy, may be beneficial for women with inadequate nutrition 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.