Pregnancy causes many changes in the mother's body. These changes to the mother's body adjust to the circumstances of her pregnancy. The use of nutrients by the body decreases in the first 4 months of pregnancy so that the body's need for food is also reduced in the first few months of pregnancy.
To be able to feed properly in pregnant women, the changes that occur in pregnancy need to be understood:
1. Calories (Energy)
2. Protein
3. Folate (Folic Acid)
4. Minerals (Iron, Zinc, Calcium)
5. vitamin C
6. vitamin A
The diet during, even
before, pregnancy has to be rich in calories, proteins, vitamins &
minerals and balanced. The needs vary in the three trimesters. Generally
the gestation period in homosapiens (human) is approximately 40 weeks
measured from the mother's last menstrual cycle.
Energy - the
energy needs of the body increase manifold and are increased by 300
kcals per day. Trimester wise an additional calorie intake is
recommended as below:
1st trimester - about 10 kcals/day
2nd trimester - about 90 kcals/day
3rd trimester - about 200 kcals /day.
These calories are needed to cater to the
growing demands of the fetus and the mother as well as to accumulate fat
stores which act as reserves during lactation and when otherwise
needed.
Proteins -
Complete and good quality proteins in the form of milk, meat, egg and
cheese along with legumes, pulses, nuts and whole grains will help meet the nutritional intake.
Folic acid is very
important to prevent macrocytic anaemia and promote normal fetal growth,
as it prevents serious birth defects.
Minerals -
Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium and iodine should be taken
during pregnancy. The deficiency of these minerals leads to
complications during pregnancy and has adverse effects on the
fetus-infant.
A common problem during
pregnancy is constipation. Therefore the diet should contain plenty of
fibres in the form of whole fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals,
vegetable soups and whole pulses.
Also drink enough water keeps the body hydrated.
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