[mzbojangles1]

Hi Everyone, I'm having a bit of a problem figuring out how many calories I should be eating while pregnant. I'm 27 weeks pregnant now and have to admit I really haven't been counting calories (though trying to eat moderately healthy). I've gained 23 pounds so far and am seeing the 200 mark creep up on me which I've never experienced before. I've been on a diet my entire life whether it be WW or Atkins, etc. So when they say to eat an extra 300 calories while pregnant I'm not sure what base number I should start with, 1200 is what I normally eat when dieting, but that seems really low??? Plus, I think if I only eat 1500 calories a day I'll be starving, any advice? I really only want to gain a maximum of 5-10 more pounds, since I was overweight to begin with that isn't a risk to my baby.

[jmb1981]

you should talk to your doctor. when i went to mine i told him what i eat in a typical day b/c i was worried i was not eating enough calories. it's always better to talk to your doctor.

[aphil]

1200 calories a day is a WEIGHT LOSS level...so adding 300 calories a day to that is not enough. (1500 a day is still a weight loss level for many.)

They are wanting you to add 300 calories a day to an average MAINTENANCE diet for women. This means (by most doctor/dietician books) adding 300 calories a day to 2000 calories, for a total of 2300 a day.

Always check with your doctor, however, to be sure.