Archive for the ‘Healthy Pregnancy’ Category
December 12th, 2009 | 
Author: By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sean_Jordan]Sean Jordan
It is no wonder that pregnancy and nutrition is a topic of vital importance as it deals with physical nourishment not just during the development of new human life inside the womb, but even before and after those nine months of gestation. Let us take a look at these three stages.
The relationship between pregnancy and nutrition, as previously mentioned, begins even before the embryo is conceived; even before there is a need to be “eating to feed two people,” the body of the mother, the would-be carrier of the fetus, should be nourished. This is but one of the many reasons there should be smart family planning beforehand. There is not only a gearing up for the developmental process to take place in the womb, but the chances of conception to begin with are actually improved.
Magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, and folic acid all play important roles before and during gestation. The chances of any fetal deformities and even infertility itself will greatly diminish through supplementation of these nutrients. Alcohol intake, smoking, and everything else that should be avoided as per an obstetrician’s advice should be ceased; beginning at this stage as well, until after childbirth, raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized dairy products, unwashed fruits and vegetables, too much liver (though liver is a very good source of iron, whose extra amounts is beneficial to a pregnant woman, an excess in vitamin A, which is also in liver, may cause birth defects), and excess caffeine, among others, must be avoided.
The woman’s body mass index (BMI) is also very important before conception. The woman should neither be underweight, without any disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, nor obese. Maintaining a gradual and steady weight gain of approximately 25 pounds during pregnancy can be hard enough as it is for those within their normal body mass index.
And that brings us to the stage of pregnancy itself. The first trimester (from the date of conception until the end of the third month) is most crucial as this is the stage of “organogenesis,” or fetal organ formation. Although it has been said that during this stage a woman should technically be eating for two, the truth is she need only add about 300 calories to her daily intake during the second and third trimester (from the fourth month till the ninth or until delivery). Proteins, folic acid, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and iodine should all be increased, but also depending on the woman’s recommended daily allowance (RDA). (Obviously, all these things should be consulted with an obstetrician.) Folic acid and folate are especially important since they help protect against various congenital malformations which include, most notably, neural tube defects.
Postpartum or the stage after childbirth, proper nutrition remains crucial to help the mother in convalescing. Her energy must be restored and extra calcium and iron intake are even more essential to provide her the nutrients to breastfeed her child and to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Through proper consideration of the factors that tie pregnancy and nutrition together, a woman can ensure that she and her offspring will be as healthy as they both can be. What with all the things she would need to worry about with regard to family life, that’s at least one thing off her mind.
Please consult with your doctor before starting on a course of any supplements during and after pregnancy.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Jordan http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Relationship-Between-Pregnancy-and-Nutrition&id=3273013
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By Sean Jordan
It is no wonder that pregnancy and nutrition is a topic of vital importance as it deals with physical nourishment not just during the development of new human life inside the womb, but even before and after those nine months of gestation. Let us take a look at these three stages.
The relationship between pregnancy and nutrition, as previously mentioned, begins even before the embryo is conceived; even before there is a need to be “eating to feed two people,” the body of the mother, the would-be carrier of the fetus, should be nourished. This is but one of the many reasons there should be smart family planning beforehand. There is not only a gearing up for the developmental process to take place in the womb, but the chances of conception to begin with are actually improved.
Magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, and folic acid all play important roles before and during gestation. The chances of any fetal deformities and even infertility itself will greatly diminish through supplementation of these nutrients. Alcohol intake, smoking, and everything else that should be avoided as per an obstetrician’s advice should be ceased; beginning at this stage as well, until after childbirth, raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized dairy products, unwashed fruits and vegetables, too much liver (though liver is a very good source of iron, whose extra amounts is beneficial to a pregnant woman, an excess in vitamin A, which is also in liver, may cause birth defects), and excess caffeine, among others, must be avoided.
The woman’s body mass index (BMI) is also very important before conception. The woman should neither be underweight, without any disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, nor obese. Maintaining a gradual and steady weight gain of approximately 25 pounds during pregnancy can be hard enough as it is for those within their normal body mass index.
And that brings us to the stage of pregnancy itself. The first trimester (from the date of conception until the end of the third month) is most crucial as this is the stage of “organogenesis,” or fetal organ formation. Although it has been said that during this stage a woman should technically be eating for two, the truth is she need only add about 300 calories to her daily intake during the second and third trimester (from the fourth month till the ninth or until delivery). Proteins, folic acid, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and iodine should all be increased, but also depending on the woman’s recommended daily allowance (RDA). (Obviously, all these things should be consulted with an obstetrician.) Folic acid and folate are especially important since they help protect against various congenital malformations which include, most notably, neural tube defects.
Postpartum or the stage after childbirth, proper nutrition remains crucial to help the mother in convalescing. Her energy must be restored and extra calcium and iron intake are even more essential to provide her the nutrients to breastfeed her child and to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Through proper consideration of the factors that tie pregnancy and nutrition together, a woman can ensure that she and her offspring will be as healthy as they both can be. What with all the things she would need to worry about with regard to family life, that’s at least one thing off her mind.
Please consult with your doctor before starting on a course of any supplements during and after pregnancy.
With a lifelong passion for health, I enjoy sharing my personal experiences with diet and exercise. I also enjoy reviewing products, enjoy my latest reviews on what you need to know about which standing coat rack and wall coat rack to choose for your home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Jordan
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Relationship-Between-Pregnancy-and-Nutrition&id=3273013
Pregnancy Nutrition Advice For Mother and Child
By Roger Noonan
If you happen to be expecting a baby or if you are looking into pregnancy tips, then one thing you are going to want to give priority to is pregnancy nutrition. After all, this defenseless little one is relying on YOU to give it all of the vitamins and minerals that it needs to grow and function normally.
You will be able to help avoid birth defects or having a premature baby by looking after your own pregnancy diet because, in turn, you are actually looking after your baby’s health and well-being. You must consume just the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and calories in order for your baby to grow.
Even though you may be taking prenatal vitamins, you need to have a good handle about other things that you should be eating in order to ensure your pregnancy nutrition is up to scratch. Yes, it is true that your doctor will prescribe prenatal vitamins but there is even more that you should be doing to ensure that you have a perfect, little “bundle of joy”.
You must ask yourself the following questions:
Is it necessary to take iron supplements? What vitamins need to be taken on a daily basis? What foods should I avoid? If I am a diabetic, how can I get enough sugars to my baby? Why is each trimester different in terms of pregnancy nutrition?
Naturally you want the best for your baby, and pregnancy nutrition has to be on top of your list. That is why you add some sliced fruit to your fortified cereal in the morning, put some extra veggies in your favorite recipes, and eat some delicious yogurt for dessert.
However, do you know what foods to avoid on your pregnancy diet? Seafood can be a very good source of iron and protein as well as the omega-3 fatty acids. This can help promote the development of your baby’s brain. Research has shown that if you skimp on seafood during your pregnancy, this may help contribute to poor verbal skills. It may also lead to behavioral problems and other developmental issues as the child grows.
Some shellfish and fish should not be included in pregnancy nutrition as they may contain dangerous levels of mercury. If you happen to consume too much mercury, this may damage the nervous system of your developing baby. The older and bigger the fish, the more mercury it is liable to contain. It is advisable that pregnant women avoid eating these fish:
King mackerel, Swordfish, Shark, Tilefish.
Then, what kinds of fish may be consumed as part of your pregnancy nutrition diet? The EPA as well as the FDA says that pregnant women will be able to eat up to 12 ounces a week of the following:
Salmon, Catfish, Shrimp, Cod, Pollock, Canned light tuna.
During pregnancy, you may experience changes in your circulation and metabolism. This may increase the risk of getting bacterial food poisoning. Since you are pregnant, your reaction may be more severe than if you were not. Hopefully, this article on pregnancy nutrition has made you realize how very important pregnancy nutrition is. Remember, you control the destiny of your child.
Click on the following to learn more about pregnancy nutrition. Also, here’s another article about pregnancy nutrition advice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Noonan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pregnancy-Nutrition-Advice-For-Mother-and-Child&id=2796120