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 adjusts your daily target to match your trimester — no weight 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 and never asks for weight or BMI. 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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