Baby & Me: Staying Healthy for Two | Q+A

Question:

I work out 4-7 times a week and have been going consistently for the last 8 months. I just found out I am pregnant. I would like to continue working out and keeping my body strong and fit for the baby and myself. What do I need to do differently than I did when I was not pregnant, regarding eating and working out, to make sure I am getting proper nutrients for baby and me?

– Melinda

Answer:

Congratulations, Melinda!

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I will address the eating side of your question. For initial advice on working out during pregnancy, see our previous article Can you Exercise While You’re Pregnant? and this and this link to tips from the U.S. National Institute of Health. Of course, these suggestions shouldn’t replace the guidance of your obstetrician.

You’ll need extra fluids, nutrients and calories as your pregnancy progresses. See details from the U.S. Office on Women’s Health by clicking here. In the first trimester, folate and other vitamins and minerals are crucial for proper neural tube development, so a good prenatal vitamin is key. Strictly avoid alcohol during this time. The second trimester is when you start to expand blood volume and increase maternal stores while your baby grows rapidly from the size of a nut (3”, 1 oz.) to a football (12”, 1 lb.) while developing all of its organs and features. About 2 additional cups of fluids are needed per day. Adding around 300 extra calories from healthy foods with adequate calcium and iron will support this growth. In the last trimester, your baby is filling out to full-term weight. This is when you are truly “eating for two, ” although in terms of energy, you really only need an additional 200 calories on top of your 2^nd trimester needs.

For weight gain recommendations, click  and be sure to ask your obstetrician for guidelines tailored to your specific needs.

– Debbie J., MS, RD