Final answer:
During pregnancy, a woman does not need additional calories in the first trimester but should increase her intake by about 300 calories per day during the second and third trimesters. Protein intake should increase by 5-6 g/day towards the end of pregnancy. It's important to ensure a nutritious diet and avoid doubling calorie intake which can lead to excessive weight gain.
Step-by-step explanation:
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes, and her nutritional needs increase to support the growth and development of the fetus. In the first trimester, there is no need for additional calories. However, it is common for a mother to gain about 0.45 kg (1 lb) per month. Starting from the second trimester, an increase of approximately 300 calories per day is recommended. This supports the more rapid growth of the fetus, particularly during the last trimester.
When it comes to protein intake, the need is greatest in the final 10 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetal growth is most rapid. During this period, it is recommended that the protein intake increase by 5-6 g/day. It's also important to consider the nutrient quality and make sure a pregnant woman is consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support both her own body's increased demands and the needs of the developing baby.
Contrary to the myth that a pregnant woman needs to eat for two, merely doubling pre-pregnancy caloric intake is unnecessary and can lead to excessive weight gain. Such weight gain could potentially harm the mother and baby, increasing the risk of diabetes and obesity in the child's later life.