Nutrition During Pregnancy (Part I)

Nutrition During Pregnancy (Part I)

Pregnancy is a period of great physiological as well as psychological stress for the women. She has to maintain her health at optimum level to prepare for delivery and lactation and also to provide good nutrition for the development of the foetus. Adequate nutrition before and during pregnancy is very important for a long-term health. A woman who has been well nourished before conception begins her pregnancy with reserves of several nutrients so that the needs of the growing foetus can be met without affecting her health. Infants, who are well nourished in the womb, have an enhanced chance of entering life in good health. Mother's diet should produce adequate nutrients so that maternal stores do not get depleted and produce sufficient milk to nourish her child after birth. If the mother is undernourished the baby is at an increased risk of being premature with low birth weight and development irregularities. Intrauterine nutrition is highly important for the growth of the central nervous system and kidneys of the foetus, which mature during the later part of pregnancy. In the first trimester the rate of growth of the foetus is slow and the mother is not able to take much food because of nausea and vomiting which are common during this period. It is during the next two trimesters that the foetus grows rapidly and therefore the nutritional needs for the formation of new tissues is increased. Therefore the diet of the pregnant women must provide the additional requirements. Apart from the increase in foetal tissue there is an increase in maternal tissues like mammary glands and tissues supporting the foetus like placenta. Accretion of nutrients in a foetus takes place during last trimester of pregnancy. This has to be supplied by mother either from her diet or from her reserve. A term neonate will have adequate stores of iron, protein, vitamin C and other vitamins. If the diet is lacking in nutrients and there is no store of nutrients foetus will have intra uterine growth retardation. A well balanced diet that is high in fibre, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and low in saturated fats will help a mother to stay fit and supply the foetus with all the essential nutrients for healthy development Weight Gain The weight gain for a mother during pregnancy is about 1.5 kg in the first three months. In first 3 months excessive vomiting can cause a slight loss of weight gain. In each subsequent months the average gain should be 1.5 kg being a little more in the last two months. At full term the total gain is about 10 - 12 kg. Sudden changes in weight, either gains or loss may be harmful and a warning sign. Nutrient Requirements During Pregnancy Energy A calorie requirement during pregnancy is increased for maintaining the growth of the foetus, placenta and maternal tissues and for the increased basal metabolic rate. In early pregnancy it is minimal but rises sharply towards the end of the first trimester and then remains more or less constant for the second and third trimesters. The energy requirement for a moderately active adult woman is about 40-kcal/kg body weight. Indian Council of Medical Research nutrition expert group has suggested additional 300 kcal per day during the second half of pregnancy. Foods that provide energy are rice, wheat, bajra, ragi, jowar and roots and tubers. These foods also provide thiamine, niacin and iron. Protein There is an increased demand for protein during pregnancy particularly in the second half of pregnancy. The normal protein requirement of adult women is 1gm/kg body weight. During pregnancy the Indian Council of Medical Research recommend an additional 15 gm/day. The additional protein is essential to meet growing tissue demands. For this additional daily requirement allowance, a good quality protein like milk or egg protein per day has to be supplemented. Minerals And Vitamins A good intake of all vitamins and minerals is essential but some are particularly important. Such as calcium is essential for the calcification of foetal bones and teeth and also for storage to meet the high demands during lactation. Use of vitamin D and calcium reduces muscular cramps of pregnancy. Dairy products, fish, green leafy vegetables give the calcium in your diet. Iron requirement during pregnancy is also increased. Iron is required for foetus and also for the mother due to increased production of haemoglobin and for the loss during parturition. This increased demand can be met with adequate stores of iron and eats plenty of iron rich foods such as meat, liver, fish, eggs, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits. Iron absorption can be improved by taking vitamin C rich food such as citrus fruits or juices. By ensuring a healthy balance diet during pregnancy will prepare your baby for heady start in life.