Eating for two is unhealthy during pregnancy

Pregnant women do not need to double their food intake because they are “eating for two,” gynaecologists have said, stressing that pregnancy requires a balanced diet rather than excessive eating. The maternal health experts explained that while pregnant women need more nutrients to support their health and the growth of their babies, this does not mean they need to eat twice as much food. They noted that the notion of “eating for two” during pregnancy was a myth and unhealthy, stressing that it was neither recommended by maternal health specialists nor the World Health Organisation. The physicians warned that excessive weight gain during pregnancy could increase the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, urging expectant mothers to focus on nutritious foods instead.