Calorie Blooper

This has always stuck with me as tragically funny, but I've never blogged about it before. Upon discovering that I was newly pregnant, I went to my initial OB visit, which was just with the nurse to confirm the pregnancy, take medical history {even though I've delivered 3 babies with them before}, review necessary testing, appropriate medications during pregnancy, etc. Still having concern for a healthy weight, I inquired about nutrition during pregnancy. This particular nurse was no spring chicken, so maybe she just subscribes to ancient thought when it comes to pregnancy & eating.

Me: So, I'm wondering what my calorie intake should be while I'm pregnant. I have been doing Weight Watchers so would like to continue to eat healthy.

Nurse: Pregnant women need 2500 calories per day.

Me: Ok....so, it doesn't depend on my starting weight or other factors?

Nurse: No, you just need to eat 2500 calories per day.

Me: {slight look of disbelief}

Nurse: Ya know, just keep eating healthy. Like if you go to McDonald's {I almost burst out laughing at this next part}, just order a Quarter Pounder & drink. Skip the fries.

Me: {trying as hard as possible to keep a straight face} Ok. Thanks.

I'm no MD or even RN for that matter, but wouldn't common sense tell us that a woman's starting weight has everything to do with how many calories she would need while pregnant? So if I weighed 300 pounds to start or 115 pounds, I would still need 2500 calories? And that McDonald's comment?! I guess she doesn't realize that a Quarter Pounder & drink would qualify for the healthy eating plan! Obviously this nurse needs a little refresher course on pregnancy nutrition!

I've since discovered that preggos need an additional 300 calories a day during the second and third trimester {no increase during the first trimester}, which makes much more sense to me. This really doesn't amount to that much more food, about an apple, a yogurt, and a couple slices of bread. Several websites did indicate that this comes out to about 1,900 - 2,500 calories per day for the "average" woman, but I don't think we should prescribe that upper amount as a one-size-fits-all solution.