For Moms

Second Trimester Nutrition Pointers

You're probably feeling better now, and your baby is definitely getting bigger. So it's a good time to recoup those nutrients your baby needs to support her growth.

These tips will point you in the right direction:

Plan a daily menu.

This trimester, you'll gain around 1 lb (0.5 kg) per week. Add an extra 350 calories to your normal daily diet. Try thinking out your meals for the day in advance, so you can be sure you are getting all the nutrients you need.

Visit Health Canada’s My Food Guide Servings Tracker

Water. Water. Water.

It helps your body carry nutrients to your cells. It takes away waste. It helps against dehydration and related fatigue. The general rule is 9 cups total beverages per day including water. When you're pregnant, you need more like 10 cups total beverages per day.

Exercise, safely.

If your doctor agrees, exercising during pregnancy can help keep you healthy and prevent you from gaining too much weight. At this point, you're probably feeling better and can still move around easily. Ask your doctor about which exercises are safest for you.

Learn Some Safe Exercise Techniques