ROLE OF GOOD NUTRITION DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

The state of pregnancy is a  delicate period in every woman. It involves  carrying and nurturing another human until he/she is  fully developed to cope with the outside world.  Thus good nutrition can never be over emphasized during this phase and also after delivery.

During pregnancy a woman not only feeds for herself but also for the foetus, approximately extra 300 calories are needed daily during pregnancy and this is a result of the increase in energy demanded by the body due to the developing foetus.

These extra calories should come from a balanced diet of  protein, fruits and vegetables ,carbohydrates.

THE ROLE OF GOOD NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY

1. Good nutrition helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy

2. Good nutrition of the woman contribute to brain development and a healthy birth weight of the child.

3. It helps to reduce the likelihood of complications both throughout pregnancy, during labor. 

4. Good nutrition can also help to reduce many of the symptoms of pregnancy, including fatigue, morning sickness, and excessive mood swings. 

5. It also minimizes the likelihood of developing anemia or gestational diabetes. Certain vitamins or other substances, like folic acid, are vital to minimize the likelihood of birth defects.

6. Good nutrition also helps to reduce complications after pregnancy .

7. Good nutrition is important in all stages of life but it becomes more vital during and after pregnancy. 

AFTER PREGNANCY;

After delivery, the woman breast feeds. Breast-feeding women also have increased energy requirements, which are dependent on the amount of milk a woman produces and how quickly she loses weight gained during pregnancy. During the first year of breast-feeding, women need approximately 350 to 400 additional kilocalories/day. These additional calories are gotten from a balanced diet. Thus showing the importance of good nutrition after delivery/pregnancy. 

"The health of the mother determines the health of the child." To enjoy optimal health during pregnancy develop a good nutrition plan.

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Article by:

Ifeoluwa Ishola

Food, Nutrients & Health

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