You’re pregnant, don’t eat for two, health experts say

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Sitting on an exam table inside Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, Sabrina Correa is waiting for her 34-week checkup to begin. 

“Sabrina, hey good morning. How are you?” said Jaida Taylor-Herring walking into the room, who is an advanced registered nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife. 

She measures Correa’s stomach and checks the baby’s heart rate. 

“Alright, baby sounds great,” said Taylor-Herring. 

“I get so emotional every time I hear it,” said Correa. 

During the visit, a topic expecting moms might not think about this time of year is brought up intentionally. 

“So, what are your plans for the holidays?” asks Taylor-Herring. 

“Going to spend it with friends and family and eating,” said Correa.

“Eating?” questions Taylor-Herring. 

She wanted to know because often mothers are told they are now eating for two. But that is a myth, said Taylor-Herring.

“I tell patients all the time, weight is like trouble, easy to get into, hard to get out of,” said Taylor-Herring. “You don’t really need to eat for two because that’s really overeating. You eat for one and the baby will take what it needs from you.”

Correa smiles and says that is easier said than done. 

“It’s actually very hard, like trying to control yourself and like eating a lot, but it’s been actually really good. I’m still trying to eat small meals,” said Correa. 

“Cabbage, broccoli, all those things are good for you,” said Taylor-Herring, going over a high-protein, low-fat diet. 

Though all expectant mothers should remember, no pregnancy is the same, and they should always take the nutrition advice given to them by their medical provider. 

“I usually tell pregnant patients instead of doing like three large meals a day, especially around the holidays, try and do like little small meals in intervals,” said Taylor-Herring. 

Correa agrees that is doable for the remainder of her pregnancy.