“You can eat for two now!” … hmmm not quite.
This is a huge, common response when you announce you are pregnant. It’s like it is used as an excuse to eat whatever you want and how much of that you want. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good treat, and have definitely been treating myself a lot more than I usually would when it comes to food. But, the whole “eating for two” is a myth. Any you may be shocked to find out how many calories it is that you actually need extra whilst growing a baby. The Guardian states that around 15-20% of pregnant women now are overweight or obese.
The old fashioned way
Talking to my mum or grandparents about pregnancy almost turns into a battle of different beliefs. It’s like you can’t mention that you had a work out in the gym to them without their jaw dropping to the floor and you get a lecture about how you should be taking it easy. I even find myself telling them that I only went on a light walk, when really I was squatting my near enough my own body weight on my back as a warm up.
When it comes to diet, they have a strong belief that you should be eating for two. I mean, my baby is currently the size of an avocado. Why would it need a full portion of food?
What you should be eating
According to the NHS, there is no need to eat for two during pregnancy, even if you are expecting twins or triplets. The original idea behind eating for two was to increase your energy.
There is no need to eat for two during pregnancy, even if you are expecting twins or triplets
During the first 6 months of your pregnancy you do not even need to only drink full fat milk, another common myth. 
Only in the last 3 months of pregnancy do you need to increase your calories by 200 a day. When you work it out, that isn’t actually a whole lot extra. Most people consume more calories a day than recommended too, without adding in the extra.
It is recommended that you should do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Swimming and walking are a great way to keep fit. If you already are a physically active person like me, you will have more of an idea on how to tone your workouts down. Obviously it isn’t advised that if you have never been inside a gym before to start now and complete a huge workout. You should start off with no more than three 15 minute workouts a week.
Graduate of Computer Science at Manchester Metropolitan University (BSc Hons Computer Science).
Former Secondary School Teacher.
Mum of two with an 18 month age gap. Experienced in reflux and cows milk protein allergy.
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