Calories:
Pregnant women need an extra 300 calories a day, for a total of between 2200 - 2400 calories per day during pregnancy to sustain their needs and those of their baby. There are some exceptions to this for women who begin their pregnancy either over or under-weight, women with high levels of activity, such as athletes, women who are carrying multiples (they need 300 extra calories for each baby), and adolescents who have higher caloric needs than adults because they are still growing themselves. Of course, this doesn't mean that pregnant women can simply eat a candy bar and satisfy their extra calorie count for the day; These extra calories should be nutrient-packed for building the baby.

Weight Gain:
The usual recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds for pregnant women who are at an appropriate pre-pregnancy weight and carrying one baby. It is slightly less for overweight women and more for underweight women. Of course, this is an average, meaning that some will gain more and some less. If a woman eats well during her pregnancy and gains 40 pounds, she is better off than the woman who eats junk during her pregnancy and only gains 35 pounds. Doctors begin to worry if there is a lot of weight gain in a short amount of time, accompanied by a certain type of edema. This can indicate pre-eclampsia and requires monitoring.

Water:
During pregnancy, blood volume increases by 40%. Amniotic fluid is also produced which requires fluid. Water is also required for every chemical reaction in the body. The fluid demands of the pregnant woman are obviously great. Women are encouraged to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Water is the only substance that purely hydrates the body. Any drink containing sugar is less efficient because sugar reduces they hydrating ability of water. Many "juices" contain high-fructose corn syrup, which is really sugar. 100% juice can provide limited nutrients but should not be counted as "water". Teas and coffees are natural "diuretics" and can deplete the increased blood volume. Drinks containing phosphorus (even found in non-caffeinated, dark sodas) can lower the body's calcium level. So, when drinking non-water drinks, think of them more as a snack that may or may not have nutritive value, rather than as water.

Supplements:
Many pregnant women are encouraged to take supplements during their pregnancy and postpartum period to ensure they are getting adequate levels of necessary vitamins and minerals. However, women should not solely rely on supplements to provide the necessary nutrition, but should attempt to gain the nutrients in their naturally occurring form (fruits, vegetables, whole grains). The statement, "You are what you absorb" rings true with regards to naturally occurring nutrients found in whole foods. These nutrients are the most readily absorbed and utilized by our bodies. Manufactured nutrients, such as those found in "enriched" foods and supplements are not easily absorbed by our bodies. The best way to ensure that mothers and babies get what they need is to consume a variety of whole foods. The National Academy of Sciences encourages the use of supplements for those women who are nutritionally at high-risk and whose diets have been evaluated by their health care provider and appear to be lacking the necessary nutrients. According to the National Academy of Sciences, only those women who are nutritionally high-risk will require supplementation.