In the second and third trimesters, a pregnant client with a healthy BMI is advised to increase daily calorie intake by how many calories above pre-pregnancy intake?

In the second and third trimesters, a pregnant client with a healthy BMI is advised to increase daily calorie intake by how many calories above pre-pregnancy intake?

• A. 200 extra calories per day
• B. 300 extra calories per day
• C. 500 extra calories per day
• D. 100 extra calories per day

Answer: (B)

In the second and third trimesters, energy needs rise to support the growing fetus, placenta, increased maternal blood volume, and other metabolic changes. For a pregnant person with a healthy BMI, the guideline is to add about 300 extra calories per day above pre-pregnancy intake. This modest increase helps provide sufficient energy for fetal growth while helping manage weight gain within recommended ranges. Think of it as a balance: enough extra energy to nourish the developing baby and the maternal body, but not so much that it leads to excessive weight gain or potential complications. The other options would either fall short of meeting the additional needs (too few calories) or exceed typical mid/late-pregnancy guidelines (too many calories), which can carry its own risks.

In the second and third trimesters, energy needs rise to support the growing fetus, placenta, increased maternal blood volume, and other metabolic changes. For a pregnant person with a healthy BMI, the guideline is to add about 300 extra calories per day above pre-pregnancy intake. This modest increase helps provide sufficient energy for fetal growth while helping manage weight gain within recommended ranges.

Think of it as a balance: enough extra energy to nourish the developing baby and the maternal body, but not so much that it leads to excessive weight gain or potential complications. The other options would either fall short of meeting the additional needs (too few calories) or exceed typical mid/late-pregnancy guidelines (too many calories), which can carry its own risks.