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by Marie James Petit Dieu Gelin - Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 8:39 AM
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Discussion 6.1: Nutrition in Pregnancy

Maternal health is of utmost significance during pregnancy, not just for the mother but also for the fetus. Accordingly, for a mother-to-be, there is a need to take into consideration the nutritional requirements for both the mother and her developing fetus. Marshall et al. (2022) cite that women who report "health-conscious" or "prudent" eating behavior before and/or during pregnancy have a lower likelihood of experiencing pregnancy complications and poor child health outcomes. In this discussion, I will focus on detailing the nutritional considerations during pregnancy, including caloric needs, macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and dietary restrictions.

Caloric Intake Needs

As the pregnancy continues, so does the caloric needs increase. This can be explained by the increased energy needs to support the rapidly growing fetus and the mother’s increased metabolic rate. According to Marshall et al. (2022), during the second and third trimesters, pregnant women generally require about 300- 500 extra calories per day.

Nevertheless, Marshall et al. (2022) caution against excess caloric intake, citing a risk of development of insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes later in life for the baby. On the other hand, undernutrition may lead to fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestation babies. To avoid these extreme of caloric intake, Marshall et al. (2022 call for “eating better, not more” by basing one’s diet on nutrient-dense foods.

Macronutrients Requirements

For a healthy pregnancy and the best perinatal outcomes, there is a need to take a diet with balanced macronutrients. Proteins are needed for fetal tissue development, and the dietary requirement is between 70 and 100 grams of protein per day. Some of the best sources of proteins during pregnancy are lean meats, dairy, beans, and nuts. On the other hand, healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids should be prioritized, and they are sourced from salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Fats are vital for brain and eye development. The primary source for maintaining energy during pregnancy is carbohydrates, but it is crucial to avoid processed carbohydrates and prioritize whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Marshall et al. (2022) add that a diet that substantially or consistently limits any macronutrient should be avoided during pregnancy. Such diets include the Paleo diet, which restricts dairy, and the ketogenic diet, which limits carbohydrates.

Micronutrient Requirements

Pregnant women should ensure vigilance to maintain sufficient levels of micronutrients, that is, vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients tend to be overlooked when it comes to a healthy diet. Nevertheless, researchers believe that a balanced diet can provide most of them. The following are some of the micronutrients whose intake is of importance during pregnancy:

· Folic Acid (Folate): Adequate folic acid intake (400-600 mcg/day) is essential for preventing neural tube defects. Foods rich in folate include fortified cereal, leafy greens, and legumes.

· Iron: Pregnant women need approximately 27 mg of iron daily to support increased blood volume and prevent anemia. Iron-rich foods include spinach, red meat, and fortified cereals.

· Calcium: Essential for the baby’s bone development, a daily intake of 1,000 mg is recommended. Good sources include dairy, fortified plant-based milk, and leafy greens.

· Vitamin D: Needed for calcium absorption, with 600 IU recommended per day. Sunlight exposure and foods like fortified milk and fatty fish provide vitamin D.

· Iodine: Important for fetal brain development. Pregnant women should aim for 220 mcg per day, found in iodized salt and dairy products.

· Vitamin C: Enhances iron absorption and supports immune function. Rich sources include citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries.

Hydration

Hydration is another component of a healthy diet that also tends to be overlooked. During pregnancy, there are increased fluid requirements as the body needs to expand the blood volume of the mother to ensure that she can nourish the growing fetus. Furthermore, more water is needed to make amniotic fluid, which is instrumental in the development of the fetus. Consequently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2020) dietary guidelines indicate that pregnant women should increase their intake of water to about 8-12 cups per day.

Dietary Restrictions

According to the American Pregnancy Association (n.d.), the following foods and substances should be restricted or avoided:

· Limit Caffeine: High caffeine intake is associated with miscarriage and low birth weight. It is advised to limit caffeine to 200 mg/day (about one 12-ounce cup of coffee).

· Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes developmental delays and other severe effects.

· Avoid Raw or Undercooked Foods: To reduce the risk of infections like listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should avoid raw seafood (e.g., sushi), undercooked meats, and unpasteurized dairy products.

· Limit High-Mercury Fish: Fish like shark, swordfish, and mackerel contain high levels of mercury, which can affect fetal brain development.

Answer 1

Hi Marie,

Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive overview of nutrition during pregnancy. You've clearly highlighted the critical aspects that expectant mothers need to consider for both their health and that of their developing fetus.

I appreciate the emphasis you placed on caloric intake and the balance between ensuring adequate nutrition without overconsumption. It's crucial for expectant mothers to focus on nutrient-dense foods as you mentioned, rather than merely increasing calorie intake.

Your discussion on macronutrients is also very insightful. It's interesting to note how vital protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3s, are for fetal development. The caution against restrictive diets like the Paleo and ketogenic diets during pregnancy is an important point, as a balanced intake is essential for meeting the diverse needs of both mother and baby.

Moreover, the emphasis on micronutrients like folate and iron cannot be overstated, especially considering their role in preventing common pregnancy complications. Your breakdown of sources for these nutrients provides clear guidance for those looking to optimize their diets.

Hydration is indeed often overlooked, and it's a great point to remind mothers-to-be about their increased fluid needs. Ensuring adequate hydration will definitely support overall health during this important time.

Lastly, the dietary restrictions you've listed provide practical advice for reducing risks associated with certain foods and substances during pregnancy. This is invaluable information for individuals navigating their dietary choices.

Overall, your insights contribute significantly to the discussion of maternal nutrition. Thank you once again for sharing this important information!

Best,
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