Pregnancy Requires an Additional 50,000 Calories in 9 Months, New Research Reveals. Equivalent to 164 Snickers Bars
Discover the surprising truth about the calorie requirements during pregnancy. Recent research highlights that a significant portion of these additional calories are not solely for the fetus, challenging previous beliefs.
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New research reveals that having a baby is actually much more costly in terms of energy than previously believed.
During pregnancy, the process of creating and carrying a baby requires a total of 49,753 dietary calories. This is equivalent to consuming 164 Snickers candy bars, according to Dr. Dustin Marshall, who coauthored a study published in the journal Science on May 16.
Dr. Marshall, a professor of evolutionary biology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, led a team of researchers in conducting a meta-analysis. They analyzed data from numerous scientific articles to determine the energy cost of reproduction in various species.
TO GO WITH STORY BY KARYN POUPEE A pregnant woman works at her office in Tokyo on July 2, 2013. Pregnant women or young mothers, many Japanese say they are victims of "mata-hara" a name for "maternity harassment" of mothers in employment, an attic in an aging country in dire need of babies. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)
TO GO WITH STORY BY KARYN POUPEE
A pregnant woman was photographed working at her office in Tokyo on July 2, 2013. Many Japanese pregnant women or young mothers feel like they are victims of "mata-hara," which is short for "maternity harassment" in the workplace. This issue is particularly prevalent in Japan, an aging country that is in need of more babies. The photo credit belongs to Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images.
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Lead study author Dr. Samuel Ginther, a postdoctoral researcher of biological sciences at Monash University, highlighted the significant energy demands associated with gestating a baby. He mentioned that their research assigned specific values to these costs for various species, ranging from insects to lizards to humans.
Dr. Ginther emphasized that their findings revealed the total energy required for reproduction is significantly higher than previously thought.
Most of the extra energy needed during pregnancy is used for the growth and support of the fetus, according to Ginther.
Marshall explained in an email that a large portion of the energy mammals use for reproduction is converted into metabolic heat, with only 10% actually going towards the development of the baby. When considering both lactation and metabolic demands, the baby's share of the total reproductive investment is less than 1/20th.
Dr. Eve Feinberg, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, mentioned that the research could have a significant impact on how pregnancy needs are perceived. She was not part of the study.
Dr. Feinberg expressed her opinion on the study, calling it groundbreaking. She highlighted the overwhelming exhaustion experienced by pregnant women who are working, emphasizing how it can take over their daily lives.
Thoughtful pregnant woman looks out the window home. Holding a hand on the tummy. Mental health and pregnancy.
Thoughtful pregnant woman looks out the window home. Holding a hand on the tummy. Mental health and pregnancy.
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How to break down what you need
During pregnancy, the amount of extra calories needed varies. You will require fewer additional calories in the early stages and more as the pregnancy progresses. In the second trimester, around 350 extra calories per day are necessary. By the third trimester, the calorie requirement increases to about 450 extra calories per day, as explained by dietitian Natalie Mokari from Charlotte, North Carolina.
If you breastfeed after the baby is born, you will need to add 450 to 500 more calories to your prepregnancy diet.
You can think of it as an additional substantial snack or mini meal in your day around the second trimester, Mokari said. By the third trimester and breastfeeding, the additional calories amount to a meal.
“Your body is in overdrive. Your metabolism is working hard to build another human,” she said. “That’s pretty monumental.”
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What to eat
Eating habits during pregnancy vary, according to Mokari.
She suggests eating every three to four hours or having smaller snacks every two hours throughout the day if it helps with pregnancy symptoms.
"It's important to remember that during pregnancy, you may not always stick to the traditional three meals a day with snacks in between. This is especially true if you are experiencing nausea or other discomfort," Mokari explained.
Table top still life of foods high in healthy fats such as Salmon, olive oil, nuts and avocados with vegetables and herbs.
Table top still life of foods high in healthy fats such as Salmon, olive oil, nuts and avocados with vegetables and herbs.
IGphotography/iStockphoto/Getty Images
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Mokari emphasized the significance of carbohydrates for energy, protein, and healthy fats that support good brain health for the baby.
When it comes to healthy fats, Mokari recommended including fatty fish like salmon, olive oil, avocados, avocado oil, peanut butter, and almond butter in your diet.
Milk and dairy products can also supply the necessary fat and essential vitamins. Eggs are a great source of protein and fat as well, she mentioned.
According to Feinberg, it is important to get your energy from nutritious whole foods.
Get some sleep
This study also suggests that sleep is probably especially important during pregnancy, Feinberg said.
“If you feel tired, go to sleep, and really understand that you’re not being a wimp, that you’re exhausted in pregnancy,” Feinberg said.
Soft focus of jar with sleeping pills and glass of water placed on bedside table near sleeping female in morning at home.
Soft focus of jar with sleeping pills and glass of water placed on bedside table near sleeping female in morning at home.
Sergey Mironov/Moment RF/Getty Images
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It is common for pregnant individuals to be judged for needing more sleep, but the results of the study aim to challenge that belief.
According to Feinberg, the findings provide concrete evidence that the fatigue experienced by women is valid and should be taken more seriously.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the significant energy demands associated with pregnancy, revealing that it requires a total of 49,753 dietary calories. This is equivalent to consuming 164 Snickers candy bars, emphasizing the immense physiological burden on the body. The study also sheds light on the importance of sleep during pregnancy, as the increased energy expenditure can lead to overwhelming exhaustion.
The findings challenge the traditional perception of pregnant individuals as being lazy or overreacting to fatigue. By quantifying the energy requirements and highlighting the metabolic demands of fetal growth, the study provides concrete evidence to support the need for additional rest and care during pregnancy. It encourages healthcare providers and society at large to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by pregnant women, promoting a more supportive and understanding environment for expectant mothers.
