Pregnancy is an important phase in the life of a woman. There are a number of bodily changes to accommodate a new life. Pregnancy or the gestation period is about 38 – 40 weeks and is a very crucial stage both for the mother and the baby. It is a rapid growth period marked by placental development, enlargement of the uterine and breast tissue, increased blood volume, amniotic fluid formation and mineralization of the fetal structure. Studies suggest that the mother’s diet determines the health of the baby. A pregnant woman should take extra care to tackle the following demands –
• Dietary needs
Research shows that adequate pregnancy nutrition is critical for proper growth of the baby. Additional nutritional requirements help sustain and support pregnancy. There is an increased demand for certain specific nutrients.
The protein requirement increases by nearly 30 percent. Protein rich foods like milk, meat, eggs, and fish must be taken regularly. Whole grains and nuts also provide good protein. The energy demands also increase considerably. Calcium is required for the growth and development of fetal skeletal system. Calcium is especially important in the third trimester due to rapid mineralization of the bones. Calcium rich foods like dairy products, legumes and leafy vegetables need to be consumed regularly. If the mother fails to meet the additional dietary calcium requirements, then the fetal calcium demand is met by depleting the maternal bone calcium. Hence it is important to consume extra calcium during gestation. Iron another essential mineral during pregnancy. Iron requirements increase due to increased blood volume. Calcium and iron supplements are usually prescribed by the physician. Vitamin requirements especially B-complex vitamins, folic acid and vitamin C increase during this time. Increased metabolism, development of red cells, absorption of iron and collagen building are responsible for the increased vitamin need.
• Concerns during pregnancy
1. Morning sickness or nausea is a common complaint. The feeling to vomit is more pronounced early in the morning, hence the name morning sickness. As the pregnancy enters the second trimester this usually subsides. Eating small and frequent meals and avoiding foods with strong odours can help relieve nausea. In case the vomiting becomes severe and the mother is unable to take in any food, it is better to approach a medical expert. In very rare cases the mother may be put on parenteral nutrition.
2. Weight gain: As the baby grows so does the weight of the mother. But in cases where there is excessive weight gain, the mother should reconsider her food choices. However, it is advisable not to try any type of crash or flash diets during this period as it would affect the baby’s growth and development. With the help of a professional the least that the mother can do is substitute fatty food with low or no fat food, for e.g. low fat or fat-free milk instead of whole milk can be taken. Other healthy choices might be including raw fruits and vegetables instead of creamy and fatty desserts. Methods of cooking like boiling, steaming, stewing are healthier than frying.
3. Anemia: It is a condition resulting in decreased hemoglobin or blood volume. It is usually characterized by weakness, tiredness and a poor appetite. Additional iron needs when not met by dietary intake may result in anemia. Folic acid deficiency also leads to anemia. This is common among a majority of women and is dealt with supplements.
4. Pica: Craving of non-food substances is termed as pica. It is common for pregnant woman to feel like eating chalk pieces or mud. The reason for this unusual craving is not known but it needs to be discouraged as it may lead to nutritional deficiencies. The impure food may block the digestive system and may hinder normal absorption and utilization of nutrients by binding with them.
5. Toxemia: The exact cause of toxemia is not known, but is common among pregnant women with inadequate diets. This occurs mostly in the last trimester with high blood pressure, proteinuria (protein in urine) and edema (accumulation of fluid). If such a condition persists for longer periods and further aggravated with convulsions, it might lead to coma and death of mother and baby.
6. Alcohol and Smoking: Alcohol consumption is more harmful to the baby than to the mother. Alcohol passes into the fetal bloodstream, where it stays longer due to the inability of the fetus to metabolize faster. Fetuses subjected to alcohol suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome and develop physical and mental defects. Tobacco smoking leads to low birth weight babies and other risks like fetal death or complications at birth. Therefore, alcohol and smoking are best avoided during gestation.
Pregnancy is the most memorable phase in the life of a mother. It comes along with its own share of concerns, but the thought of a smiling face of an innocent baby helps boost endurance.
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