Everything About Pregnancy and Wellness
Everything About Pregnancy and Wellness
Pregnancy(1)
All women planning a pregnancy should have an adequate intake of 400μg folic acid before conception until at least the twelfth week of pregnancy; a food supplement is a good way of ensuring this. Also, pre-pregnancy weight
should be as close to the recommended as possible as there is a greater chance of neural tube defects occurring in babies of women who are clinically
obese(2).
From before conception, good nutrition especially folic acid is necessary in a
mother's system to ensure DNA is copied correctly in the developing foetus. Green leafy vegetables contain folic acid which is vital for the initial development
of the embryo. Probiotic or 'friendly' bacteria micro-organisms specific to each person colonise the gut in the first few days of life to protect the new cells
from invading bacteria.
During the first few weeks after fertilization new cells develop. Both mother-to-be and child will benefit from a good supply of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients from fresh fruit, vegetables and other foods which have not suffered man-made
interference. Malnutrition on the mother's part may affect the development of particular organs of the foetus. Food intake in general is important during pregnancy because of the close relationship between maternal intake and infant birth weight. There is no second chance to provide nutrients at a later stage!
During the last six months, the foetus grows tremendously as development occurs in all organs. The mother's body changes dramatically too, with the blood volume increasing by half to accommodate the added oxygen and nutrients needed by the growing foetus.
Energy and Pregnancy
'Normal' calorie intake is approx. 2000 calories a day for a woman. During pregnancy, assuming a typical 40 weeks, an approximate extra 110 calories is
needed. These extra calories should come from a healthy diet, especially fresh green leafy vegetables; whole, unprocessed foods and oily fish.
The Importance of Folic Acid Before and During Pregnancy
Folic acid is necessary for DNA formation. The development of the foetus relies on healthy DNA to make a healthy baby. A fault in DNA around week 12 of development increases risk of neural tube defects including spina bifida.
The richest sources of folic acid are Brussels sprouts, asparagus, spinach, kale, black eye beans, liver; fortified cereals and bread, these provide approx. 100μg per serving. Whereas broccoli, spring greens, cabbage, green beans, cauliflower, peas, bean sprouts, okra, soya beans, chick peas and yeast extracts
provide approximately 50μg.
Lactation
Nature intended women to feed their babies themselves. The benefits of breastfeeding to the child include decreased risk of childhood obesity, diabetes,
early heart disease and risk of neurological conditions such as dyslexia.
Breastfeeding helps the development of the immune system and influences the type of bacteria in the gut. Bifidobacteria are the predominant 'friendly' bacteria present in the colon of breast fed infants and bifidobacterium longum being one of the major strains. Breastfeeding provides many essential vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and energy needed for proper growth and development
of the nerves and other body systems.
Breastfeeding helps the bonding between mother and baby. Another benefit to the mother is in helping her regain normal weight and bodyshape more quickly than those who don't breastfeed because it requires more energy than the
pregnancy. One month of lactation will use all the calories that nine months
Gestation needed! Breastfeeding = human milk for baby humans! Print this page |
