Scientists are increasingly discovering that a mother’s health and nutrition during preconception and
pregnancy have a profound effect on the health of the infant and that patterns of disease in adulthood can be traced to infant nutrition.
-Patrick Holford, The New Optimum Nutrition Bible
The lifestyle choices you and your partner make before and during pregnancy have a powerful influence on the lifelong health and well being of your child. Healthy lifestyle choices begin at least six months prior to pregnancy and include whole foods nutrition, adequate hydration, regular exercise, stress management, quality sleep and surroundings that encourage good health physically,
socially and emotionally. Avoiding harmful chemicals in cigarettes, household products and health and beauty aids is also an important part of protecting your baby’s health (7). As your pregnancy progresses, your nutrition and exercise choices will need to be adjusted to the increased size and demands for energy of your growing baby. Additionally, you may require more rest and extra help from family or friends with daily tasks and chores.
During the first trimester of pregnancy your body undergoes a flurry of hormonal changes as it prepares to host the embryo. ‘Morning sickness’, while considered a normal symptom of early pregnancy may be an indication of nutrient imbalance. Vitamin B6 and vitamins K and C taken as nutritional supplements have been used effectively for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (5) and can also be found in spinach and other dark, leafy green vegetables, bell peppers, cauliflower and broccoli. Some women find ginger, in food and supplement form, to be useful and eating small, frequent meals throughout the day may help alleviate symptoms.
It is also during the first trimester and into the second that the essential structures of your baby’s major organs and systems develop (3). Optimal nutrition is extremely important to support the growth and development of these tissues so as to avoid physical malformations, defects or functional deficiencies. Of particular importance during pregnancy are essential fats and protein and it is crucial that adequate, high-quality calories are consumed. Fat intake during pregnancy should make up 20 to 35% of total calories and protein needs increase by about one-third, to at least 70g per day (3). The
essential fatty acid known as DHA is important to the development of the brain, which is the center of the nervous system, and to tissues of the eye as are cholesterol and arachadonic acid. Fat is also necessary for the absorption and utilization of the fat-soluble vitamins. DHA and vitamins A and D and choline, another brain nutrient, can be found in a combination of quality cod liver oil, free-range eggs and ‘clean’ fish (see the Resources section). Plant-based sources of healthy fats are raw nuts and seeds, coconut and olive oils. High-quality protein can be found in wild-caught cod and salmon, free-range eggs and chicken, grass-fed beef, wild venison or turkey, raw or whole, organic dairy
products (purchased from a reputable source). Good plant sources of protein include spinach, asparagus and Swiss chard. Regular consumption of soy products is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential hormone influence on the developing fetus. If soy products are consumed on occasion look for non-GMO or fermented products.
Folate, iron, magnesium and calcium are also vital to a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Folate, also sometimes referred to as folic acid, is generally recommended to be a part of your daily
nutrition habits before you become pregnant and may be depleted if you have been using hormonal contraception. Most of these nutrients are present in the recommendations for whole-fat dairy and dark green vegetables previously mentioned, though other food sources do exist.
During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you may experience symptoms of heartburn or constipation. Chewing your food thoroughly, avoiding caffeine and other beverages that contain
sugar and artificial sweeteners and consuming adequate fiber in your diet will aid in optimal digestion. Fibrous foods include fresh or soft cooked vegetables, berries, some beans and whole (pre-soaked) oats. Smaller, frequent meals can also help. Green leafy vegetables provide magnesium, which is useful in preventing and resolving constipation. Throughout pregnancy your beverage of choice should be water2, striving for 8 -10 eight-ounce glasses per day. Avoid drinking with
meals to ensure adequate acid production for optimal digestion.
Other guidelines for a healthy lifestyle for you and your baby:
• Strive for 30-minutes or more of exercise of moderate intensity most days of the week. Consult with your physician before beginning or continuing any exercise program (6).
• Minimize stress and get adequate rest (4). If you aren’t sleeping well or are experiencing emotional difficulties, talk to your partner, a trusted family member or to your health care provider for guidance.
• Evaluate everyday products like shampoos, lotions and make-up, as well as household products and medications for potential toxins that may create unnecessary risk to your family’s health.
The health and success of your child begins before you become pregnant and extends for their lifetime. Making health supportive habits a part of your lifestyle and continuing them as your child grows will offer them the best opportunity for a long and healthy life.
~ Yvette Ladd, Wellness Pursuits, May 2014 - Pregnancy Nutrition
Resources:
www.ewg.org - review their consumer guides
www.gingergarner.com/category/breathing-in-this-life - a blog for women
www.nongmoproject.org - a source for non-GMO food choices
www.seafoodwatch.org - a guide for ‘clean’ fish
www.westonaprice.org/ health-topics/diet-for-pregnant-and-nursingmothers/-nutrition recommendations during pregnancy
www.whfoods.com - a source for nutrients in food
Bibliography
1. Academy of nutrition and dietetics. (2013, January). Your Food and Nutrition Source It's About Eating Right. Retrieved May 14, 2014, from Eat Right: www.eatright.org
2. Baby Center, LLC. (2014, April). http://www.babycenter.in/a1015418/why-is-itimportant-to-drink-water-during-pregnancy. Retrieved May 14, 2014, from Baby Center: http://www.babycenter.in
3. Beerman, M. M. (2011). Life Cycle Nutrition. In M. M. Beerman, Nutritional Sciences From Fundamentals to Food (p. 624). Belmont, CA: Wadswoth Cengage Learning.
4. Metz, G. A., & Zucchi, F. C. (2013, February 22). Maternal stress induces epigenetic signatures of ps... [PLoS One. 2013] - PubMed - NCBI. Retrieved May Yvette Ladd, Wellness Pursuits, May 2014 – Pregnancy Nutrition 5 14, 2014, from Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579944/
5. Michael Murray, N. a. (1998). Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd edition. Rocklin, CA, 95677: Prima Publishing.
6. WebMD. (2012, August 15). Health and Pregnancy. Retrieved May 14, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com: http://www.webmd.com/baby/exercise-duringpregnancy
7. Zissu, A. (2013, October 29). http://healthychild.org/verdict-is-in-doctors-shouldadvise-patients-about-harmful-chemicals/. Retrieved May 12 2014, from Healthy Child Healthy World: http://healthychild.org
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