Pregnancy Requires an Extra 50,000 Calories Over 9 Months, Reveals Research, Equivalent to 164 Snickers Bars.
Fact: Creating and nurturing a baby for a full-term pregnancy requires an estimated 49,753 dietary calories, which is equivalent to consuming 164 Snickers candy bars. That's according to Dr. Dustin Marshall, a professor of evolutionary biology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia - a co-author of the study published on May 16th, 2023, in the journal Science.
To arrive at this conclusion, Marshall and his team of researchers conducted a meta-analysis that collated data from several existing scientific articles, analyze the energy costs involved in reproduction across various species, ranging from insects to lizards and humans.
Dr. Samuel Ginther, the lead author and a postdoctoral researcher of biological sciences at Monash University, emailed: "Our work assigns explicit values to these cost across a wide range of species — from insects to lizards to humans. We found that the total energy it takes to reproduce is much more substantial than previously considered."
The lion's share of the extra energy consumed by a pregnant person goes into nourishing the fetus and carrying it. In a popular metaphor used by Marshall, only 10% of the energy a mammal puts into reproduction is used by the actual baby, with the rest being essentially "boiled off" as metabolic heat. When you consider both lactation and energy costs, the baby accounts for less than one-twentieth of the total reproductive investment.
The study's findings could significantly alter perceptions of pregnancy needs. Dr. Eve Feinberg, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, who was not involved in the research, said, "This study is groundbreaking. Any working pregnant woman could attest to the sheer level of exhaustion and how it consumes your life."
Meeting your energy demands
The energy requirements vary throughout the term of pregnancy. Initially, you need fewer calories, but as the pregnancy progresses, your needs increase. Specifically, from the second trimester onward, you need a daily additional 350 calories, whereas the third trimester calls for you to consume 450 more calories. If you decide to breastfeed after birth, you'll need to add another 450 to 500 calories to your daily diet.
Mokari, a dietitian from Charlotte, North Carolina, advises eating more frequently during this period to satisfy your increased energy requirements. You might want to consider eating every three to four hours or adding small snacks every two hours for more effective management of pregnancy symptoms. "It doesn't have to be three standard meals and a few snacks; if nausea or similar issues become an obstacle, consuming smaller, more frequent meals might be a better option," she says.
Mokari highlights the significance of carbohydrates as a source of energy, as well as proteins and healthy fats. After researching various food items, she shares her input, saying, “try grabbing fatty fishes such as salmon, olive oil, avocados, avocado oil, peanut butter, almond butter, or even milk and dairy for their fat content and additional vitamins."
The role of sleep
One of the study's key findings is that quality rest is essential during pregnancy, Feinberg mentioned. Although there have been societal assumptions about pregnant women having lower sleep needs, the study's data should challenge that notion.
"If you're feeling tired while pregnant, take a nap or go to sleep. This is not a sign of weakness, rather a reflection of the overwhelming responsibility your body is taking on," Feinberg suggested.
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After meeting your increased energy demands during pregnancy, prioritizing wellness becomes crucial. Ensure you're getting adequate rest, as the study highlights the importance of quality sleep for pregnant women. Naps or extra hours of sleep should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather an essential part of supporting your body's extraordinary efforts.
Source: edition.cnn.com
