1. Most pregnant women need about 300 extra calories per day in the second and third trimesters to gain enough weight. This equals about 16 to 17 calories per pound of ideal body weight.
  2. An extra 10 to 12 grams of protein per day is also needed to help your baby grow normally. It is also helpful to get 45 to 60% of your calories from carbohydrates, 15 to 25% from protein, and 20 to 30% from fat.