Pregnancy is an important phase in a woman’s life where a lot of emphasis needs to be placed on dietary needs for the sake of the mother’s health as well as the health of the baby in her womb. Proper diet taken by a pregnant mother is not just beneficial to enhance the growth and development of the baby but also ensures the mother’s own health. Keep reading the article to know more about the impact of good nutrition during pregnancy on mother and child health!
Table of Contents
Impact of Good Nutrition On Mother
1. Promotes overall health
Here are some essential nutrients mothers need during pregnancy and their benefits:
- Protein: Vital in the development of fetal tissues such as the brain and for raising the blood flow.
- Iron: Enhances the increased blood volume and helps to prevent anemia which is one of the conditions that are known to arise during pregnancy.
- Calcium: These are very important in the growth of fetal bones and teeth, and at the same time does not affect the bone mass of the mother.
- Folic Acid: Very important in the prevention of neural tube defects for the fetus.
2. Strengthens immune function:
Proper nutrition strengthens the mother’s immune system and minimizes the possibility of her contracting diseases which are a menace to both the mother and the baby.
3. Improves Mental Health:
Hormonal changes in the woman’s body during pregnancy may also cause mood swings, depression and anxiety and proper diet is said to help in their management.
Impact of Good Nutrition On Child
1. Growth and Development:
A healthy dieting regime prevents complications that are brought about by low birth weight, which is a risk factor for infant and later onset health complications.
2. Brain Development:
Omega-3 fatty acids are very important in the growth of the fetal brain and eye and hence should be taken regularly. Recommended intake is for cognitive development and maintaining good vision.
3. Organ Development:
The consumption of the right amount of vitamins and minerals helps in the growth of major organs of the body such as the heart, lungs and kidneys thus reducing on congenital anomalies.
4. Long-term Health:
Maternal nutrition is also important in the long-term development of the child; the child has fewer risks of getting chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the future.
Diet Recommendations For Mothers During Pregnancy
The following are some general recommendations on what foods to eat and avoid, while pregnant.
1. Balanced Diet:
Fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, lean meats, and healthy fats are the food types that are recommended to be taken in large quantities.
2. Folic Acid:
Women should take in at least 400 micro grams of folic acid daily especially in the preconception period and in the first trimester of pregnancy in order to help protect the baby from neural tube defects.
3. Iron and Vitamin C:
Iron may have to be taken to prevent anemia and vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.
4. Hydration:
Fluid intake should be sufficient for the expansion of the amniotic fluid as well as to meet the increased blood volume.
5. Avoid Harmful Substances:
Women should not consume alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, and foods that are high in mercury such as some fish in order to prevent developmental problems and health hazards.
Conclusion
Nutrition in pregnancy is critical for the health of the mother and the child. It boosts the mother’s health to enable her to undertake the needs of pregnancy and childbirth thus fostering the growth and development of the fetus. It is therefore recommend to maintain a healthy diet with all the necessary nutrients, to promote your own health and wellbeing and that of your child.
