Nutrient Needs During Pregnancy

Protein

Protein needs increase during pregnancy. During the first half of pregnancy, protein requirements remain the same - 0.8 g/kg/day. Over the second half of pregnancy, protein needs increase to 1.1 g/kg/day. For each additional fetus, the protein requirements increase by at least 25 g/day. (Cox and Carney, 2017)

Over the course of a pregnancy, it is estimated that an additional 925 grams of protein (1.1 g/kg/day) is needed for the fetus, uterus, expanded maternal blood volume, placenta, extracellular fluid, amniotic fluid and to maintain new tissue. (FAO/WHO, 2005) More recent studies in developed countries, however, indicate that protein needs may be less than this.