Should pregnant mums eat for two?

Should pregnant mums eat for two?
PHOTO: Should pregnant mums eat for two?

SINGAPORE - On average, a moderately active woman needs about 2,000 calories a day.

If you are pregnant and fairly sedentary (for instance, you are at your desk all day), all you need is 200 more calories a day, said Ms Jenny Ng, the principal dietitian from Mind Your Diet.

A more active pregnant mum would require just 285 more calories. And if you are breastfeeding, you will need an extra 500 calories a day to help maintain your milk supply.

She shares a list of other key nutrients you will need.

NUTRIENTS

Folic Acid

Pregnant: 600mg
Lactating: 500mg

Protein

Pregnant: 67g
Lactating: 83g (first six months), 77g (after six months)

Calcium

Pregnant: 1,000mg
Lactating: 1,000mg

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