Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition
Open Access

Importance of Proper Nutrition and Food Safety During Pregnancy

Jeshwanth Sahu^{* *}Correspondence: Jeshwanth Sahu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Boston, USA, Email:

Author info »

Description

Diet and pregnancy are two things that should be planned beforehand during and after pregnancy. At fertilisation, the fetus starts to get nourishment. Hence, proper nutrition for the mother is crucial before conception, throughout pregnancy, and while nursing. It has been demonstrated in numerous studies that a mother's nutrition has an impact on the health of her kid, including the risk that the child would develop diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Inadequate or high amounts of particular nutrients in malnourished mothers increase the risk of malformations or medical issues in the fetus, as well as neurological abnormalities and disabilities. According to estimates, 24% of babies globally have birth weights that are suboptimal as a result of poor nutrition. Nonetheless, as a general rule, both governmental and medical recommendations advise women to follow the directions on each vitamin's indicated daily dosage Recommended Dietary Allowances(RDA). Before pregnancy, diet, as with other diets, has the potential for over-supplementing. Daily iron supplementation throughout pregnancy greatly raises birth weight, possibly reducing the risk of low birth weight. Spina bifida and other abnormalities of the neural tube should be avoided by taking folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy. Folic acid should be ingested in amounts of at least 0.4 mg per day during the first trimester of pregnancy, 0.6 mg per day throughout the pregnancy, and 0.5 mg per day when nursing in addition to foods high in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables. Despite the fact that iodine is necessary for healthy thyroid function, developing fetal brains, and even preventing cretinism, pregnant women frequently have iodine levels that are excessively low. Iodine-containing prenatal vitamins should be taken by expectant women.

The amount of solar exposure impacts vitamin D levels. Formerly thought that supplements were only necessary in high-latitude areas, current research on vitamin D levels in the US and many other countries has shown that many women have low levels. The idea that pregnant women should supplement their diets with 1000 IU of vitamin D daily is being supported by a growing body of research. Several pregnant women have been found to be deficient in vitamin B12, however there is currently no proof that supplementation enhances either the success of the pregnancy or the health of the unborn child. The European Union and the United States, respectively, have established vitamin and mineral recommendations for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Guidelines for breastfeeding and pregnancy are mentioned individually in order to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), Population Reference Intakes (PRI) are set higher than what has been demonstrated to be the average requirement. As there isn't enough information to prescribe certain nutrients.

Safety of Food

Pregnant women are advised to pay attention to the foods they consume during pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of exposure to medications or bacteria that could harm the developing fetus. Salmonella, listeria, and toxoplasmosis are just a few of the diseases that could be present. High dosages of retinol ingestion have been linked to abnormalities and birth malformations.

Fluids

During pregnancy, a woman's bulk increases by about 12 kg (26 lb). The European Food Safety Authority urges non-pregnant women to increase their daily water intake by 300 mL, bringing their total recommended water intake from food and fluids to 2,300 mL, or around 1,850 mL/day from fluids alone.

Caffeine

Caffeine consumption during pregnancy increases the chance of low birth weight, which is defined as weighing less than 2500 grams, as well as miscarriage (5.5 pounds). Both the European Food Safety Authority and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concur that daily caffeine intake of up to 200 mg by pregnant women provides no safety risks to the fetus. After giving birth, good nutrition is essential for the mother's recovery so she can feed the newborn child. Women who have serum ferritin levels below 70 g/L may need iron supplements to prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and postpartum.