EnergyNutrition library
LibraryNutrientsEnergy & macros
Energy
Fuel for every maternal and fetal process — growth, blood-volume expansion, and the placenta's own substantial energy cost.
Trimester focus
| Stage | For the mother | For the baby |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester | Needs barely rise above pre-pregnancy levels; nausea often limits intake anyway. | The embryo is tiny — energy needs are minimal during organogenesis. |
| Second trimester | Requirements rise (~+340 kcal/day) as blood volume and tissue expand. | Rapid growth begins drawing meaningfully on maternal energy stores. |
| Third trimester | Needs peak (~+450 kcal/day) to support the final growth sprint and prepare for lactation. | Peak weight gain and brain growth demand the most energy of any stage. |
Target note
Being above your energy target isn't a deficit — it's informational, since needs naturally rise each trimester (see the trimester targets above).