Diet in Pregnancy

DIET OF PREGNANT AND LACTATING MOTHER:-

Pregnancy is a demanding physiological state.In India diet of women from the low socioeconomic groups are essentially same during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and lactation period.High prevalence of low birth weight and high mortality rate is due to widespread maternal malnutrition.Additional food is required for bearing a fetusinside and lactating a baby outside.

NUTRIENTS THAT REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION:-

The daily diet of a pregnant women should contain extra 350 calories,0.5 g of protein during first trimester and 6.9 gram during second trimester and 22.7 gram during third trimester of pregnancy and lactating mother should take 500 calories and 25 gram protein.Some micronutrients are specially required in extra amounts during these physiological period.Folic acid taken throughout the pregnancy reduces the risk of congenital malformations and increases the birth weight.The mother as well as the growing fetus needs iron to meet the high demands of Red Blood Cell formation.Calcium is essential,both during pregnancy and lactation, for proper formation of bones and teeth of the offspring,for secretion of breast-milk rich in calcium and to prevent osteoporosis in the mother.Similarly, iodine intake ensure proper mental health of the growing fetus and infant.Vitamin A helps in lactating baby survival besides these, nutrients like Vitamin B12 and C need to be taken by the lactating mother.

PREGNANT AND LACTATING MOTHER DIET:-

There is no need to change the usual balanced diet.However,the quantity and frequency of usage of the different foods need to be increased.She can get maximum amount of energy (about 60%) from rice, wheat and millets.Cooking oil will provide both energy and polyunsaturated fatty acids.Protein demand can be fulfilled by milk,fish,meat,poultry, nutsand eggs.Mineral and Vitamin requirement are met by consuming a variety of seasonal vegetables especially green leafy vegetables,milk and fresh fruits.Iron can be derived from sprouted grams and foods rich in Vitamin C such as Citrus fruits.Milk is the best source of Calcium.It is better to supplement Iron,Folic acid ,vitamin B12 and Calcium.