Dietary Care in Pregnancy

Why it is important to focus on DIET IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION ?

• From conception to exclusive breast feeding (first 6 months) the baby completely depends on mother’s nutritional status.

• There is a considerable increase in the nutritional needs of the mother. On an average the pregnant women gains about 10 kg in pregnancy.

• Either low or excessive weight gain are harmful to the pregnant women and as well as the developing fetus (baby). A pregnant women need to consume about 350 extra calories per day, which translates to one additional meal.

• The growth and development of the baby is determined by the food taken by the mother. All the nutrients provided to the baby are derived from her food.

• A healthy diet during pregnancy should contain the right balance and combination of nutrients. If the mother is consuming a balanced diet comprising of various food groups, she gets the benefit of various nutrients that are necessary and increased during the pregnancy.

• It's a good idea to be as close as possible to the recommended weight for a given height (BMI) when trying for a baby as being overweight or underweight can affect babies’ growth and development. However consult a doctor before starting on any diet or exercise plan.

• A pregnant woman needs only 350 calories a day more than she did pre-pregnancy. An average size fruit provides 50 to 75 calories.

• Eat optimum food during pregnancy that includes whole grains, sprouted grams andØ fermented foods.

• Take Milk, Meat and Eggs in moderate quantitiesØ Eat recommended vegetables and fruits

• Take iron, Folate and calcium supplements regularly after 14-16 weeks of pregnancy andØ continue the same during lactation

• Avoid superstitions and food taboo

• Do not use alcohol and tobacco

• Wash fruits and vegetables to remove all traces of soil and pesticides. Thorough washing or soaking whole vegetables and fruits in salt water for 5 to 10 min, kills most bugs and removes pesticides substantially.

• Meat must be preserved separately and a separate chopping board must be used for meat.

• Wash all surfaces and utensils, and hands, after cleaning raw vegetables or meat – this will help to avoid food poisoning with bacteria or bacterial toxins (salmonella, staphylococcus, campylobacter or E.coli) and toxoplasmosis.

• Diet during lactation

• A balanced diet suitable for a nursing mother shall contain the same kind of food as those recommended during pregnancy, but slightly increased quantities.

• Twin factors of physical activity and active production of breast milk make additional demands for energy yielding foods, proteins and other nutrients.

• In general, most women who are breastfeeding need about 500 calories more than a woman who is non-pregnant and non- lactating; that is a total of 2,500 to 2,700 calories per day depending on her physical activity.

Food myths:

• Eating papaya causes abortion:

The truth is that raw papaya is suspected to contain chymopapaine which is supposed to induce abortion or early labor. But ripe papaya is considered to be safe. Moreover ripe papaya is a good source of vitamin A.

• Eating hot and spicy foods can cause abortion:

If eaten in moderation, it causes no harm to the baby. However, one should avoid very spicy food during pregnancy as many have the symptom of heartburn and very spicy food may increase it.