Pregnancy and You.

Women have to be very specific about their diet during the pregnancy period as the diet intake is likely to effect the growth and development of the child. There has to be a proper and balanced timely intake of rich sources of vitamins, iron, calcium, carbohydrates and protein to ensure the children is free from any deformity and deficiency.

The pregnancy period of women bring various changes in the body of the budding mother and it is very necessary for the mother to equip herself with all the necessary and healthy nutrients and care for providing a safe and disease-free passage of her child to the World.

The fat content in the female’s body has to be taken care of, as that is responsible for the formation of milk during lactation. The body of the pregnant women requires an additional 300 calories of fat during the time of pregnancy and this may be more in the case of an underweight mother than an overweight mother, but the fat intake has to be in accordance under a medical practitioner’s advice. The diet must have rich content of Calcium as that is required by the child’ s body for the growth of healthy teeth and bones. The intake of Vitamin A during the time of pregnancy helps in the improvement of the vision and the maintenance of the nervous equilibrium of the child. The nutritional requirements of the mother during the time of pregnancy depend on the pre-pregnancy nutritional status of the mother.

Chlorophyll can be used to increase low hemoglobin and promoting the clotting factor in a pregnant women's body under medical guidance. The supply may be around 4-6 per day and this is most beneficial in cases where the premenopaual women are bleeding heavily with their periods. This is available in gel caps, or as a liquid or in the form of dried tablets.

The US RDA for the expecting mother is 30-60 mg/day of Iron and iron is easily absorbed when it is taken in small doses and eaten with foods containing Vitamin C and protein.

Tips:

1. Use of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

2. Use of dairy products such as yogurt, milk.

3. Use of spinach, nuts, orange juice, dried fruits.

Precautions:

1. Do not use foods such as tilefish, shark, swordfish and King mackerel.

2. Raw fish, oysters and clams must be avoided.

3. If possible, avoid rare burgers, soda, frozen foods and sausages.

4. Hot dogs and heat deli meats must also be avoided.

5. Unpasteurized milk products must be avoided.

6. Use of cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine must be avoided.