Final answer:
During pregnancy, a person needs an additional 5-6 grams of protein per day during the last 10 weeks. An overall balanced daily diet should include about 70 grams of protein. Only about 300 additional calories per day are required during the second and third trimesters, not double the caloric intake.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nutritional needs for a pregnant person increase to support the growth and development of the fetus. Specifically, the need for proteins is crucial, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. It is estimated that during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy, a person requires an additional 5-6 grams of protein per day to meet this demand. This is due to the accumulation of approximately 1 kg of protein mostly in the uterus and products of conception by the end of the pregnancy. According to the provided information, a balanced daily diet should include about 70 grams of proteins, among other essential nutrients and vitamins.
It is a common misconception that pregnant individuals need to double their caloric intake, but in reality, only about 300 extra calories per day are required on average, particularly during the second and third trimesters when the fetus is growing most rapidly. Therefore, pregnant individuals are advised not to eat for two, as excessive weight gain can be detrimental to both mother and child.