Eating for two puts pregnant women and babies at risk

♦ Pregnant mothers risk harming their health and that of their babies because they feel under pressure to “eat for two”, experts have warned.

A survey suggests that more than two-thirds of UK mothers-to-be have no idea how many extra calories they need during pregnancy.

But more than 63 per cent of participants said they felt under pressure from those who endorse the the “eating for two” philosophy.

Official guidelines from Nice (National Institute for health and Care Excellence) say women do not need any extra calories in the first six months of pregnancy.

During the last three months, they require only about 200 extra calories – the equivalent of two pieces of wholegrain toast with olive oil spread.

Around a quarter of mothers-to-be admitted “eating for two” was an excuse for guzzling unhealthy snacks.

Prof Janice Rymer, the vicepresident of education at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “Women who are overweight during pregnancy are at an increased risk of having a miscarriage and developing conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

“They are also more likely to have a premature baby, require a caesarean section, experience a haemorrhage after birth or develop a clot which can be life-threatening.”

Alex Davis, from the National Charity Partnership, which commissioned the poll, said: “The ‘eating for two’ myth has been around for years, but it’s very unhelpful. Eating healthily and consuming healthy-portion sizes are important before, during and after pregnancy to increase the chances of conceiving naturally, and reduce the risk of pregnancy and birth-related complications.”