Pregnancy Nutrition

Definition

Pregnancy nutrition involves consuming the right balance of nutrients and calories to support the health of both the mother and the developing fetus during pregnancy.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Pregnancy nutrition encompasses the dietary requirements and recommendations necessary to support fetal development, maternal health, and to prevent pregnancy-related complications. This includes increased needs for macro and micronutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for proper fetal growth and maternal well-being.

Benefits

• Supports fetal growth and development
• Reduces the risk of pregnancy complications
• Enhances maternal well-being and energy levels
• Promotes healthy birth weight
• Contributes to the healthy brain development of the fetus

Examples

• Leafy green vegetables for folic acid
• Lean meats and lentils for iron and protein
• Dairy products for calcium
• Fatty fish for omega-3 fatty acids
• Whole grains for fiber and energy

Additional Information

• importance: Pregnancy nutrition is important to ensure the mother receives adequate nutrients to meet the increased demands of pregnancy, which helps in preventing nutritional deficiencies and supports the overall health of both the mother and the baby.

Related Terms

• Folic Acid
• Prenatal Vitamins
• Gestational Diabetes

References

• Nutrition During Pregnancy
• Maternal Nutrition and Infant Health Outcomes
• Pregnancy Nutrition: MedlinePlus