Do you know that nutrition is important especially during the prenatal period? But why? Maternal nutrition is the basis for a healthy pregnancy and of course, for the good health of the baby. It is that a good diet during pregnancy is the most important and that is why we talk about prenatal nutrition.
We can say that it is the cornerstone of pregnancy itself and also of the moment of birth. So we can say that it affects the entire process from minute one. That's why, everything you eat or drink will affect your baby's growth. Hence, we simply have to emphasize the importance of prenatal nutrition, which you will know everything you need below.
What is meant by prenatal nutrition?
The moment comes when you find out that you are pregnant. A mixture of nerves, illusion and fear. But we will go step by step enjoying the process and as such, the first step we must climb is that of prenatal nutrition. This new stage will require more nutrients than you normally ingest and that change, for the better, will benefit both of you. But what really is our nutrition? Well, it's quite simple because a balanced diet should be followed. It is true that your doctor should always have the last word, but we will tell you that in this diet you can consume both proteins and healthy fats as well as minerals.
How should prenatal nutrition be?
It is true that, as a general rule, prenatal nutrition already follows the basis of a balanced and basic diet. In other words, both well-washed vegetables and proteins and whole grains will be present. But being a somewhat different stage, we must pay attention to certain vitamins and minerals.
- Folic acid is one of the main vitamins in pregnancy. It helps prevent certain congenital problems and for this reason, it is recommended to take it before trying to get pregnant. Although it is found in some foods such as spinach or oranges, it is true that we will not obtain the necessary amount. In fact, it is usually taken as a supplement.
- The calcium: For both bones and teeth, we need calcium. But it is also necessary for the circulatory and muscular systems to work perfectly. Without forgetting that it also helps to avoid preeclampsia. Both dairy and broccoli, salmon and cabbage have calcium in good amounts.
- Vitamin D also plays a great role in conjunction with calcium. So it also helps us to strengthen the bones. Eggs and fish are sources of this vitamin and as such, we must take them into account.
- Proteins: for a good growth of our little or small, proteins must also be taken into account. although, already in a basic diet we have them, now more than ever. You already know that both white meat and beans or nuts are a great source of them.
- When we are pregnant we need iron twice. We need more oxygen going through the blood to feed our baby. So if you do not have iron reserves then anemia can appear and with it certain headaches. But if it is more serious, it could affect the baby causing early delivery or low birth weight. Remember that spinach and cereals have iron.
What consequences does the mother's malnutrition have on the fetus during pregnancy?
It is true that we must always put ourselves in expert hands and for this, we must always ask our doctor who is the one who can adjust the diet to our needs. That said, if there is malnutrition there will also be a series of consequences that can be quite drastic.
- Babies are more likely to develop diseases long-term such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Head circumference is less than usual.
- congenital disabilities.
- Increased mortality at the time of delivery.
- Low IQ.
- Less coordination.
- For the mother there are also consequences such as hemorrhages, abortions or placental abruption.
For all this and more, the status of a woman is also essential to harbor a new life. Because the development of the fetus is related to those nutrients that the mother has. These allow growth to be faster and healthier. Bet on a healthy pregnancy!