Eating well during pregnancy is more than simply increasing how
much you eat. You must also consider what you eat. Although you
need about 300 extra calories a day — especially later in your
pregnancy, when your baby grows quickly — those calories should
come from nutritious foods so they can contribute to your baby's
growth and development. Eating Well When You're Pregnant Do you
wonder how it's reasonable to gain 25 to 35 pounds (on average)
during your pregnancy when a newborn baby weighs only a fraction
of that? Although it varies from woman to woman, this is how
those pounds may add up: 7.5 pounds: average baby's weight 7
pounds: extra stored protein, fat, and other nutrients 4 pounds:
extra blood 4 pounds: other extra body fluids 2 pounds: breast
enlargement 2 pounds: enlargement of your uterus 2 pounds:
amniotic fluid surrounding your baby 1.5 pounds: the placenta Of
course, patterns of weight gain during pregnancy vary. It's
normal to gain less if you start out heavier and more if you're
having twins