Importance of prenatal nutrition

Do you know that nutrition is especially important in 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 good nutrition during pregnancy is the most important and that is why we talk about prenatal nutrition.

We can say that it is the foundation of pregnancy itself and also of the moment of birth. So we can say that it affects the whole process from the minute. That’s why, everything you eat or drink affects the growth of your baby . Therefore, we simply have to emphasize the importance of prenatal nutrition, which you will know everything you need below.

Index

  • What is prenatal nutrition?
  • How should prenatal nutrition be?
  • What consequences does the mother’s malnutrition have on the fetus during pregnancy?

What is prenatal nutrition?

The moment comes when you find out you are pregnant. A mixture of nerves, illusion and fear. But we will enjoy the process step by step and as such the first step we must climb is that of prenatal nutrition. This new stage will require more nutrients than you normally eat and that change, for the better, will benefit both of you. But what really is our diet? Well, it is very easy because a balanced diet should be followed . It is true that your doctor should always have the last word, but we 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 a slightly different stage is, we have to 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 conceive. Although it is found in some foods such as spinach or oranges, it is true that we do not get the necessary amount. In fact, it is usually taken as a supplement.
  • Calcium : We need calcium for bones and teeth. But it is also necessary that the circulatory and muscular systems 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 big role in connection with calcium . So it also helps us to strengthen the bones. Eggs and fish are sources of this vitamin and as such we must consider them.
  • Proteins: for a good growth of our small 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 twice as much iron . We need more oxygen passing through the blood to feed our baby. So if you don’t have iron reserves, anemia can occur and with it certain headaches. But if it is more serious, it can affect the baby and cause premature 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 the hands of experts and therefore we must always ask our doctor who is the one who can adapt the diet to our needs. That said, when there is malnutrition, there are also a number of consequences that can be quite drastic.

  • Babies are more likely to develop diseases in the 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 bleeding, miscarriages or placental abruption.

For all this and more, the status of a woman is also essential to have a new life. Because the development of the fetus is related to the nutrients that the mother has. These allow for faster and healthier growth. Bet on a healthy pregnancy!