The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, according to this article, has declared that pregnant woman need to consume more calories that previously recommended.
For normal-weight women, the extra energy needs during the first trimester of pregnancy were “negligible.” However, these needs rose to 350 kilocalories per day in the second trimester and to 500 kilocalories per day in the third trimester.
It was originally thought that a woman in her last trimester did not have to consume more calories, due to her tendency toward less physical activity. However, even if she has the luxury of slowing down the pace in the third trimester, this study shows that she still needs to up the calories to properly feed that baby! So eat up, ladies, and enjoy. It’s good for you!