BALANCED DIET FOR PREGNANT MOTHER Prepared by:- Mrs. D. Melba Sahaya Sweety Msc Nursing Pediatric Nursing Department GIMSAR
INTRODUCTION Nutritional status of the mother before and during pregnancy is most critical for optimal growth and development of the fetus. Nutritional requirement are increased to support fetal growth , development of the placenta and maternal tissues as well as to support maternal metabolism and preparation for lactation. Maternal nutrient supply to the fetus begins with conception and determines the rate of growth, body composition and gestational age of the fetus.
Eat more food during pregnancy. Eat more whole grains, sprouted grams and fermented foods. Take milk/meat/eggs in adequate amounts. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Avoid superstitions and food taboos. Do not use alcohol and tobacco. Take medicines only when prescribed. Take iron, folate and calcium supplements regularly, after 14-16 weeks of pregnancy and continue the same during lactation. IMPORTANT STEPS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
FACTORS AFFECTING NUTRITIONAL STATUS DURING PREGNANCY Family Support Food Availability Family Income Age at menarche and conception Health status of the women – past and present
Physical Activity and workload Personal Dietary habits Literacy level and nutrition knowledge Belief and taboos related to food and health care FACTORS AFFECTING NUTRITIONAL STATUS DURING PREGNANCY
Smoking , alcohol or drug abuse Exposure to irradiation Availability of and access to heath care service and counseling Parity and birth spacing FACTORS AFFECTING NUTRITIONAL STATUS DURING PREGNANCY
Role of Nutrient and their deficiencies in pregnancy
Role in pregnancy :- Cell division , DNA synthesis , expansion of blood volume and Formation of hormones , enzymes and antibodies PROTEIN :- Effects of Deficiency Low maternal blood volume Reduced growth of placenta and the fetus PEM, Growth retardation
FATS :- Role in pregnancy :- Provision of energy Deposition of adipose tissues Effects of Deficiency Lower gestational weight gain Fetal growth may be impaired
FATTY ACID (OMEGA – 6 And OMEGA -3) :- Role in pregnancy :- Support fetal growth particularly of brain and eye Effects of Deficiency Impaired Brain development and visual acuity
FOLIC ACID:- Role in pregnancy :- Methylation and DNA synthesis Cell Division Development of heart, brain, spinal cord and placenta Effects of Deficiency:- Impaired cell growth and cell division Risk of neural tube defects, megaloblastic anemia and cancer in later life
VITAMIN - A:- Role in pregnancy :- Cell differentiation during cell growth Development of healthy bones, teeth and eyes , etc.., Effects of Deficiency:- Fetal growth retardation Low birth weight
VITAMIN - C:- Role in pregnancy :- For formation of collagen, connective tissues, cartilage, muscles and the lowest layer of skin
ZINC:- Role in pregnancy :- Structural and regulatory functions as coenzymes Neurotransmission, Maturation Effects of Deficiency:- Impaired DNA/RNA synthesis and cell division Low birth eight Infectious disease
IODINE:- Role in pregnancy :- Normal brain development and maturation Regulate metabolic rate (BMR) Effects of Deficiency:- Impaired blood cells Impaired functioning of nervous system Physical and mental retardation
CALCIUM:- Role in pregnancy :- Maintain maternal bone reserves and to improve neonatal bone density during lactation Effects of Deficiency:- Growth retardation Low bone density
VITAMIN - D:- Role in pregnancy Calcium metabolism Bone development Effects of Deficiency:- Disorders of calcium metabolism in both mother and infant Neonatal hypocalcemia and tetany Infant hypoplasia of tooth enamel and maternal osteomalacia
IRON:- Role in pregnancy :- Placenta Formation Formation of Neurotransmitters Synthesis of Heme Production of Blood cells Transport of oxygen to cells Formation of metallo enzymes ( Iron depending Enzymes)
IRON:- Effects of Deficiency:- Depleted blood volume Low hemoglobin level Anemia Maternal hypoferremia Irreversible changes in some of the brain function of fetus
DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR PREGNANT MOTHER Ensure adequate weight gain Eat well – balanced meals with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables Increase intake of folate and iron rich foods with vitamin C rich foods. Include foods rich in omega – 3 fatty acids, calcium and carotenoids
Increase intake of complex carbohydrate foods rather than simple carbohydrates . Ensure that the RDA for protein is met by good quality protein sources such as egg, milk, oily fish and pulses. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, tannin rich foods such as tea and coffee . DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR PREGNANT MOTHER
Reduce intake salt, sugar and refined foods. Avoid skipping meals Eat small size meals at a time and eat several times a day preferably at regular timing. Avoids processed foods and consume freshly prepared meals Sedentary women should do regular exercise like walking. DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR PREGNANT MOTHER