Pregnancy is a stage when good nutrition is exceptionally important. Since the dietary requirements of almost all the minerals & vitamins increase they mostly have to be met through dietary intake and/or through supplements to avoid, avert insufficiencies, deficiencies and their impact of the growing foetus.
To avoid health implications linked with maternal under-nutrition consuming healthy food focussing on balanced nutrients is considered crucial for the overall development of the foetus.
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Micronutrient deficiency is a condition which occurs when a pregnant woman consumes enough food overall but does not consume enough of the specific micronutrients she needs to maintain the growth and pregnancy function/support systems.
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Consequences of certain baby friendly nutritional deficiencies :
DEFICIENCY OF
IRON- Anaemia
RDA(Per day)
38mg
SIGNS EXPERIENCED
EAT UP MORE ON
Dark Green leafy vegetables, Red meat, Whole pulses, tofu/paneer, Egg white, Dried figs, Dates, Raisins
DO’S
One citrus fruit /day is required to enhance absorption, utilization of iron
DON’T’S
PROBABLE EFFECT ON THE FOETUS
DEFICIENCY OF
CALCIUM
RDA(Per day)
000mg
SIGNS EXPERIENCED
EAT UP MORE ON
Milk & Milk products, Cabbage family, Leafy vegetables, Ragi, Oilseeds like sesame seeds
DO’S
sun exposure will help the production of Vit-D to increase calcium absorption
DON’T’S
PROBABLE EFFECT ON THE FOETUS
DEFICIENCY OF
VITAMIN A
RDA(Per day)
3300-5000 IU
SIGNS EXPERIENCED
EAT UP MORE ON
Liver, fish oils, milk, egg yolk, leafy vegetables, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
DO’S
Include fat to aid the absorption of vitamin A (a fat-soluble vitamin)
DON’T’S
PROBABLE EFFECT ON THE FOETUS
DEFICIENCY OF
BCOMPLEX VITAMINS
RDA(Per day)
---
SIGNS EXPERIENCED
EAT UP MORE ON
Whole grains, cereals and millets, pulses, nuts and oilseeds, meat fish and poultry
DO’S
Fermentation and germination enhances B complex vitamins
DON’T’S
Avoid
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VITAMIN D
800 IU
Fatty fish, egg yolk, Shitake mushrooms, Milk products & sun exposure to the sun for 15–30 minutes Avoid
To Know More: The Ultimate Indian Pregnancy Menu
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VITAMIN C
40mg
Citrus fruits-Orange, Lime, Kiwi, Strawberry, Guava, Amla, Pineapple, Tomatoes, Grapefruit, Green or Red bell peppers. Recommended co-supplementation with iron supplements or food sources
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VITAMIN K
55 mu g
Cabbage family vegetables, Kale, Spring onions, Spinach, Turnip greens, Egg yolks, Strawberry Include healthy fats for supporting absorption.
Birth defects:
EAT HEALTHY TO STAY HEALTHY!
Must Read: Pregnancy Platter
Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby. For the mother, it can lead to preeclampsia, anemia, low weight gain, or, in severe cases, even death. For the baby, it can lead to developmental delays, underdevelopment of organs, brain, or limbs, low birth weight, an increased risk of chronic health conditions, and stillbirth.
When the fetus does not get enough nutrition, it can lead to poor weight gain, low birth weight, delay in development, underdevelopment, chronic health conditions, and, in some cases, it can even lead to stillbirth.
If the baby does not get enough nutrition during the pregnancy, its growth will be severely affected. Lack of iron can cause anaemia or poor blood circulation, which in turn can affect the development of the organs. Without vitamin A, eyesight can be affected. Similarly, deficiency of different nutrients can have different impacts.
The lack of nutrients to the fetus is known as IUGR – Intra Uterine Growth Restriction. When the fetus does not receive enough nutrients for optimal development and growth in the womb, it can lead to IUGR. This can happen due to poor maternal nourishment, multiple pregnancies, or early or closely spaced pregnancies.
