Final answer:
During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, a woman should consume an additional 300 calories per day to support fetal growth. Doubling caloric intake is unnecessary and can lead to excessive weight gain and health risks for both mother and child. A focus on nutrient-dense foods is essential to meet the increased nutritional needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pregnant woman during her second and third trimester needs to consume an additional 300 calories per day to support the growing fetus. This incremental calorie intake is consistent with the increased metabolic demands of the fetus, placenta, and maternal tissues, and the energy required for the mother's increased weight and physical changes. It's important to emphasize that doubling the caloric intake is a myth and may lead to excessive weight gain, which can pose health risks for both the mother and the baby.
From a nutrition perspective, these extra calories should come from nutrient-dense foods to not only provide energy but also to meet the heightened needs for proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals during this critical stage of fetal development and maternal health. During the last trimester, the baby grows most rapidly, making the additional calories especially important for the fetus to reach a healthy birth weight without risking the health complications associated with large birth weight.