Maternal and child
Maternal and child health Photo © : Adobe Stock/Anna Om Feeding mothers for healthy babies Harmony Villemin, on behalf of ESI Nutrition Becoming a new parent is probably the most happy and exciting yet challenging and messy adventure a person can ever experience. Before he or she is even conceived, the baby-to-come is already getting inundated with love and attention as couples prepare to start a family and get ready to welcome their little one; but it is of the utmost importance that the mom-to-be also takes great care of herself so she can give her baby the best start in life. Pregnancy is a time of profound changes on all levels, including swift physiological changes designed to prepare the body to accommodate and nurture a new life during the upcoming nine months and beyond. Along with a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition is essential in supporting these rapid changes both before and during pregnancy as well as after childbirth while nursing. This season of a woman’s life is characterized by changing nutritional needs and adapting to these new requirements is crucial not only for maternal health but also for the growth, development and lifelong health of her baby. However, research has shown that many pregnant women are not getting proper nutrition and it is estimated that 20 % to 30 % of pregnant women worldwide suffer from some kind vitamin deficiency 1 . According to the World Health Organization, “deficiencies of micronutrients such as vitamin A, iron, iodine and folate are particularly common during pregnancy, due to increased nutrient requirements of the mother and developing fetus. These deficiencies can negatively impact the health of the mother, her pregnancy, as well as the health of the newborn baby.” Although micronutrient deficiencies appear to be more prevalent in countries with poor dietary diversity and more severe in lower- 20 No. 1 April/May 2020 Wellness Foods & Supplements
Maternal and child health income situations, all women are susceptible to experience a lack in nutrients at some point in their life, even in the most privileged situations. Consulting with a physician is therefore recommended for all women planning to conceive so they can receive personalized guidance on how to make sure their situation-specific energy and nutrient intake are adequate to support their needs and lay down the stores required for fetal development and lactation. The nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating mothers Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and keeping physically active during pregnancy is paramount for both mother and child. While eating foods from a variety of sources should ensure the expecting mother is getting all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients she and her developing baby need, special attention is required to make sure that a number of key nutrients are consumed in adequate amounts to support baby’s growth and develop ment right from the very beginning. least three months before they even get pregnant to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Folic acid is one of the B vitamins essential to the normal development of a baby’s brain, spine and skull which all form within the first few weeks of pregnancy. Calcium & Vitamin D Pregnant women should make sure to get at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily throughout their pregnancy to build baby’s strong bones and teeth and maintain their own bone mass. Although the need for vitamin D does not increase during pregnancy, vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb and use calcium; therefore, it is always good to pair calcium-rich foods with foods fortified in vitamin D. Iron Iron plays a part in red blood cells formation which are especially needed during pregnancy as the blood volume increases to supply oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, which is why pregnant women need twice the amount non-pregnant women need. Iron also contributes to the baby’s brain development and is needed to stock up his iron stores in the third trimester. Severe iron deficiencies may increase complications in both mom and baby such as maternal anemia, premature delivery as well as low birth weight and difficulties learning. Expecting mothers who do not get enough iron may Although the daily recommendations for pregnant women may not always differ than those set for the non-pregnant, nonlactating state, as it is the case for vitamin D and vitamin E, it does not mean that a deficiency cannot occur or is not already present before the beginning of the pregnancy; not to mention nutrients for which daily intake recommendations are up to 50 % higher during pregnancy, such as iron, folate, iodine and more, which represent an even higher risk of deficiency if not addressed by diet or supplementation. It is also worth noting that throughout the second and third trimester as well as during breastfeeding, a mother’s body requires additional calories each day. Some key nutrients to watch for a healthy pregnancy: Folic acid It is extremely important for women who desire to conceive to eat a folate-rich diet and supplement in folic acid is needed at Photo © : Devon Devine/Unsplash Wellness Foods & Supplements No. 1 April/May 2020 21
