New Delhi, March 11 -- For generations, pregnant women have been told, "You're eating for two now." It is often repeated lovingly by family members and friends, accompanied by extra servings at the dinner table and encouragement to indulge cravings.

However, modern medical science warns that this well-intentioned advice may be one of the most persistent myths surrounding pregnancy nutrition.

Health experts warn that interpreting the advice literally can lead to excessive calorie intake, unhealthy weight gain and a higher risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), a condition that affects blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

In reality, specialists say pregnancy requires better nutrition, not more food.

"The idea of 'eating for two' ...