7.1 Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy demands specific nutrients for healthy fetal development. Folic acid, iron, calcium, omega-3s, vitamin D, and protein are crucial. Proper weight gain during pregnancy is vital, with recommendations varying based on pre-pregnancy BMI.

Lactation requires increased calories, fluids, and nutrients. Poor prenatal nutrition can lead to maternal health issues and long-term risks for the child, including growth restriction, birth defects, and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases later in life.

Nutrition for Pregnancy

Key nutrients for healthy pregnancy

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• Folic acid prevents neural tube defects supports cell division and DNA synthesis (400-800 mcg/day)
• Iron increases maternal blood volume supports fetal oxygen transport (27 mg/day)
• Calcium promotes fetal bone development maintains maternal bone density (1000 mg/day)
• Omega-3 fatty acids support fetal brain and eye development (200-300 mg DHA/day)
• Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption supports fetal skeletal growth (600-800 IU/day)
• Protein aids in fetal tissue development supports maternal tissue expansion (71 g/day)

Importance of pregnancy weight gain

• Promotes optimal fetal growth ensures adequate nutrient stores
• Reduces risk of pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia)
• Supports postpartum weight loss aids in breastfeeding
• Recommended weight gain based on pre-pregnancy BMI:
  • Underweight: 28-40 lbs
  • Normal weight: 25-35 lbs
  • Overweight: 15-25 lbs
  • Obese: 11-20 lbs
• Inadequate weight gain risks low birth weight preterm delivery
• Excessive weight gain risks macrosomia (large baby) increased risk of cesarean delivery

Nutrition for Lactation and Consequences

Nutritional needs for lactating mothers

• Increased caloric needs additional 330-400 calories per day
• Higher fluid intake 3 liters per day recommended
• Continued need for key nutrients:
  • Calcium: 1000 mg/day supports bone health milk production
  • Vitamin D: 600 IU/day enhances calcium absorption
  • Protein: additional 25 g/day supports milk production tissue repair
• Balanced diet variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Considerations for vegetarian and vegan mothers supplementation of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids
• Alcohol and caffeine consumption:
  • Limit alcohol avoid immediately before breastfeeding (wait 2-3 hours)
  • Moderate caffeine intake less than 300 mg/day (2-3 cups of coffee)

Consequences of poor prenatal nutrition

• Maternal consequences anemia osteoporosis risk difficulty with postpartum weight loss
• Fetal and infant consequences:
  • Intrauterine growth restriction stunted development
  • Low birth weight increased susceptibility to infections
  • Increased risk of birth defects (neural tube defects, cleft palate)
  • Impaired cognitive development lower IQ scores
• Long-term health risks for offspring:
  • Higher risk of obesity metabolic disorders
  • Increased likelihood of chronic diseases in adulthood (diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• Breastfeeding challenges reduced milk production decreased nutrient content in breast milk
• Postpartum depression risk linked to nutrient deficiencies particularly omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)