Pregnancy nutrition, tuned to each trimester
During pregnancy, energy needs stay the same in trimester 1, then rise by about 340 kcal a day in trimester 2 and 452 kcal a day in trimester 3. Iron and folate needs rise throughout. Fawna shows trimester-specific guidance; you choose your daily goals.
What changes for you
- Trimester 1: no extra energy needed — quality over quantity while appetite is unsettled.
- Trimester 2: about +340 kcal/day as your body builds tissue and blood volume.
- Trimester 3: about +452 kcal/day to support your growing baby.
- Iron requirements rise to ~27 mg/day (about half again as much); folate matters most early.
Key nutrients
| Nutrient | Daily target | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Folate | ~600 mcg/day | Especially in early pregnancy, to support neural-tube development. |
| Iron | ~27 mg/day | Needs rise sharply as blood volume increases. |
| Calcium | ~1000 mg/day | Supports your bones and your baby’s. |
Common questions
How many extra calories do I need during pregnancy?
None in trimester 1, then roughly +340 kcal/day in trimester 2 and +452 kcal/day in trimester 3. Fawna sets this for you based on your trimester.
Does Fawna track weight during pregnancy?
No. Fawna is body-neutral, with optional measurements and no weight-loss goals. It focuses on nourishing you and your baby, not the scale.
Which nutrients matter most in pregnancy?
Folate (especially early), iron (needs rise to ~27 mg/day), and calcium. Fawna surfaces these as key nutrients through your pregnancy.
The evidence Strong evidence, 3 of 3
Fawna’s guidance for this stage draws on:
- RCOG — Healthy eating and vitamin supplements in pregnancy (2022)
- Institute of Medicine — Dietary Reference Intakes: Energy (2005)
- NICE NG247 — Maternal and child nutrition (2025)
Grounded in the primary sources above. General information, not medical advice.
Keep reading
Nutrition that fits pregnancy.
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