Fact vs. Fiction: ‘Eating for Two’ While Pregnant

There’s no doubt about it — pregnancy can bring on some bizarre cravings and make us hungrier than we typically are. But what about when expectant mamas fill their plate a third or fourth time and joke that they’re “eating for two.” Is “eating for two” really okay?

“Unfortunately, eating for two is a myth,” shares Jeannine Mauney, MD, an OB/GYN who delivers at Baptist Medical Center South. “I tell my patients that as long as they’re eating a well-balanced, healthy diet with a daily prenatal vitamin, their baby will get the nutrients needed. You really don’t need to eat more than usual.”

Some pregnant women do consume more than what is recommended, which can affect both the mom and baby.

Pregnancy weight gain by the numbers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of all women in the U.S. put on more weight than what is recommended while pregnant — and many gain excessive amounts of weight.

So, what is the recommended total weight gain for someone who is pregnant? It all comes down to your body mass index, also known as BMI. Standard pregnancy weight gain should range between 25 and 35 pounds. But if you are underweight, the recommendation is a bit more — 28 to 40 pounds. And for those who are overweight, you may only need to gain slightly less — 15 to 25 pounds.

Dr. Mauney warns about putting on too much extra weight while pregnant.

“I see some patients — even those who start out at a normal weight — gain 50 pounds or more during the course of their pregnancy. This is not healthy and can cause a multitude of problems, including a lifetime of weight issues for the mother,” she says.

As well as eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, Dr. Mauney suggests that expectant mothers incorporate daily exercise into their regular routines — as long as it isn’t overly intense.

“You don’t want to start a new high-intensity activity while you’re pregnant, but it’s perfectly fine to start a low-impact exercise like walking,” she adds.

When weight complications arise

Serious health conditions can come as a result of excessive pregnancy weight gain, including gestational diabetes: “Gestational diabetes is more prevalent among women who gain more weight than they should,” Dr. Mauney explains.

In fact, excessive maternal weight gain is associated with a substantially higher risk for gestational diabetes, according to a study by the American Diabetes Association.

Hormones work to keep blood sugar levels in check, and during pregnancy, these hormone levels change, making it harder for the body to effectively process that blood sugar. When those levels rise, you can be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Although this condition can be treated during pregnancy, there is a higher risk for the mother of later developing type 2 diabetes.

“Babies born to moms with gestational diabetes may have higher birth weights, making the delivery more difficult and increasing the likelihood of a C-section and even birth trauma,” Dr. Mauney says.

Preeclampsia is another condition that can occur when a pregnant woman gains too much weight. Characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, preeclampsia can result in serious health complications for both the mother and baby. Preeclampsia treatment includes IV or oral medications, but the ultimate cure for it is to go ahead and deliver the baby — which can be an issue if it’s too early and the baby isn’t full-term.

One of the best ways to remain healthy during pregnancy? Aim to eat a well-balanced diet and get into an exercise routine both before and during pregnancy.

“If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, schedule a preconception consultation with your OB/GYN so you can make healthy lifestyle changes before you get pregnant,” says Dr. Mauney. “The more healthy habits you have in place, the better — for you and the baby.”