“You’re pregnant now… start eating for two!”
If you’ve heard this from your neighbour, aunt, or even your mother—you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to double your diet, you need to double your focus.
At Flowrence Hospital, where we support hundreds of expectant mothers every month, one of the most common misconceptions we help correct is this: overeating doesn't mean better nutrition. It often leads to discomfort, unnecessary weight gain, and in some cases, gestational diabetes or blood pressure complications.
Let’s set the record straight.
Myth: You need to eat double.
Reality: You need to eat smarter.
Your baby isn’t a full-grown adult. In the early months, they’re just a few cells growing rapidly, and by the third trimester, their calorie requirement is still modest. What they really need is quality nutrients, not quantity of food.
That means:
- Fewer sweets, fried snacks, or heavy sweets
- More iron, folic acid, protein, calcium, and fiber
- And a focus on hydration, rest, and digestion
At our pregnancy care hospital, we often say: Eat to nourish, not to fill.
So, what should your plate look like?
Think colourful, balanced, and local.
Here’s what our dieticians at Flowrence Hospital—recognized as the best maternity hospital in Rajkot—recommend for a typical Indian pregnancy meal:
- Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like spinach, methi, and drumstick leaves are rich in iron and calcium
- Seasonal produce: Carrots, beetroot, bottle gourd, and pumpkin are gentle on digestion and rich in nutrients
- Whole grains: Chapati made from wheat, rice, oats, and millets keep you full and energized
- Fruits: Bananas, oranges, apples, and papaya (in moderation) support immunity and digestion
- Protein: Eggs, dal, paneer, and curd strengthen baby’s development
- Healthy fats: A handful of nuts and seeds can do wonders
And yes—drink plenty of water and keep an eye on your digestion. Constipation is common, but preventable with the right diet.
What to limit or avoid?
- Excess sugar and mithai
- Fried snacks and processed food
- High-mercury fish (like king mackerel or shark)
- Raw or unpasteurized dairy
- Herbal teas or home remedies not prescribed by your doctor
Remember, every pregnancy is unique. A woman with twins will have different dietary needs than someone with thyroid or gestational diabetes. So while these are great starting points, always consult your gynecologist or a qualified dietitian for a personalized plan.
A final note for every expecting mom:
Food is love. Food is care. But food, when misunderstood, can also become a source of stress or guilt. Eat what your body accepts. Eat without fear. Eat with purpose.
At Flowrence Hospital, we don’t just monitor your baby’s growth—we support your health, comfort, and well-being too. Because pregnancy is not about feeding two—it’s about caring for both.
Flowrence Hospital – The trusted choice for mindful motherhood.
Consult us for a personalized pregnancy diet
We’re known as the best maternity hospital in Rajkot for a reason
Know the best vegetables to eat during pregnancy for each trimester
Visit our expert team at your nearby pregnancy care hospital.
