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Introduction
Pregnancy is a happy event for most women. Every mother would like her pregnancy to be one with no problems. A normal pregnancy, as you know, lasts for 9 months or 270 days, approximately. During this time, the baby grows from being as tiny as a pinhead to a weight of almost 2.5 to 3 kg. No wonder the Chinese say that the child is one year old on the day it is born to emphasize all the growth and development that has taken place during these nine months.
During the period of foetal growth in the mother’s womb, the foetus is nourished directly by the mother herself, through a spongy structure called the Placenta.
Since the baby relies totally upon its mother for nourishment, you realize how vital it is to provide a pregnant woman with an adequate well balanced diet.
In this post we shall trace the growth & development of the factors, discuss the nutritional needs of the pregnant mother and the care for normal pregnancy and delivery.
Foetal Growth And Weight Gain During Pregnancy
After the egg is fertilized it will implant itself in the womb [uterine wall] and begin developing. In the first two weeks after implantation, the egg divides into many cells which sort themselves into three layers. This period is critical because any adverse influence at this time, will cause failure of the egg to survive, possibly even before the woman knows she is pregnant. In the next five weeks you can see astonishing changes. In these weeks we call the developing baby Embryo.
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- The nervous system and the skin of the baby develop from the outermost layer of cells.
- The muscles and internal organ systems develop from the middle layer.
- The glands, lining of the digestive, respiratory and excretory systems develop from the innermost layer.
Believe it or not, at eight weeks, the embryo is only 3 cms long; but it already has a central nervous system, a beating heart and fully formed digestive system. In the following seven months of pregnancy which we call the foetal period, you can see a tremendous increase in the size of the baby. Each and every organ and system will mature. Obviously, as the baby foetus develops and grows, its weight will increase as well. Look at Distribution Of The Weight Gained During Pregnancy below. It shows you the growth of the baby during these months. As you can see, the mother’s body also undergoes simultaneous changes. To support the growing baby, the woman’s womb expands, her breasts change and grow so that she can feed her baby when it is born. Her blood volume increases [almost doubles] so that she can nourish the growing baby. All this means that the mother must gain weight during pregnancy. You may wonder how much weight gain is normal. You know that each individual is different. Experts suggest that you can expect a total gain of 7 to 10 kg. during pregnancy. If a woman is of small build and not very active, advise her to avoid gaining excessive weight. Look at the Distribution Of The Weight Gained During Pregnancy below, and see where and how much of all this increased weight is distributed in the mother’s body.
Distribution Of The Weight Gained During Pregnancy
Development And Total Weight Gained:-
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- Infant [Baby] At Birth – 23 Percent – 2.3 Kg.
- Mother’s Fat Stores – 21 Percent – 2.1 Kg.
- Increase In Mother’s Womb To Support Baby And Placenta – 18 Percent – 1.8 Kg.
- Increase In Mother’s Blood Volume To nourish Baby – 16 Percent – 1.6 Kg.
- Increase In Size Of Mother’s Breasts – 10 Percent – 1.0 Kg.
- Fluid To Surround Baby And Cushion It – 8 Percent – 0.8 Kg.
- Placenta – 4 Percent – 0.4 Kg.
Total Weight Gained – 7 To 10 Kg.
You may wonder what the fat stores are for, in the mother’s body. Her body will use up these fat stores to make milk for the baby after it is born. Therefore you must realize the importance of a mother putting on enough weight during pregnancy.
Eating Pattern And Weight Gain
You already know that a pregnant woman must gain about 7 to 10 kg. during the entire pregnancy. Ideally a mother should begin her pregnancy at the appropriate weight far her height. It is advisable that during the first three months, a pregnant woman should put on approximately 1 to 2 kg. Thereafter, her weight gain should be at the rate of about 2 kg. per month.
Growth Of A Baby Change In The Woman’s Body During Nine Months Of Pregnancy
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- About 20 Weeks: With each increase in womb size, growing pressure on the stomach may force acid into gullet and lead to indigestion.
- About 24 Weeks: The baby may be in the breech, or sitting position, buttocks down and head up, but may soon turn over in the womb.
- About 28 Weeks: The baby has usually turned over in the womb, and has taken up a head-down position in readiness for delivery.
- About 32 Weeks: The mother is beginning to lean back noticeably to counteract the baby’s weight and she has to walk with legs slightly apart.
- About 36 Weeks: By now, the breast are much enlarged. Pressure on veins of abdomen may lead to varicose veins and piles.
- About 40 Weeks: The swelling in the mother’s abdomen has moved downwards, as the baby’s head goes down into the pelvis.
If a woman has gained more than the expected amount of weight early in pregnancy, advise her not to put on too much weight. However, she should not drastically curtail her diet. You may wonder why weight gain is so important during pregnancy. What would happen if a mother does not gain the full amount of weight recommended? She may give birth to an underweight baby. This may not be a serious problem if the baby is small alert and healthy. However, a low birth weight baby is usually also malnourished and weak. Such a baby may not be strong enough to get all the nourishment it needs by suckling. It may not be able to cry loudly and vigorously to attract its mother’s attention.
During pregnancy, some women may develop a craving for certain foods. As long as these cravings do not interfere with good eating habits and are not health hazards, you need not worry about it. Some women crave for amla, raw tamarind, etc. These foods are nutritious [Good Sources Of Vitamin C] and should be eaten.
Some women have nausea [Feel Sick] or morning sickness in early pregnancy. You will find that eating snack often helps to prevent and overcome the nausea.
Importance Of Nutrition During Pregnancy
An adequate diet is very important so that the placenta grows well in order that the baby will receive all the nourishment it needs. If a pregnant woman does not consume enough food early in pregnancy, growth of the placenta and therefore the baby’s growth may be less than normal.
A weak baby girl, when she becomes an adult [presuming that she is well-nourished throughout her childhood] grows to be smaller in stature and so may in turn bear an undersized or poorly developed infant. Such an infant will not be able to achieve its full
potential. Thus the food that a woman eats and her nutritional status affect the health of her children and the future of her family.
Nutrient Need During Pregnancy
You have read that nutritional needs are high during periods of intensive growth. Below table shows you the amount of nutrients needed by a pregnant woman in addition to her basic needs. In the table you will see that her basic needs [when she is not pregnant] are set at 100 per cent.
Energy: As you can see, during pregnancy a woman needs more amount of almost every nutrient. Although we have shown that the calorie requirement increases by 15%, you should be aware that those who have to do a lot of manual labor, would need more energy. Another point to bear in mind is that if an adolescent girl [less than 18 years old] becomes pregnant, she needs more amount of nutrients because she is still growing.
The Indian Council of Medical Research has recommended that a pregnant woman’s intake should be 300 Kcal more than her normal intake in the second half of pregnancy. This is because the baby grows very rapidly, as you know, in the second half of pregnancy. These extra calories [energy] can be obtained by increasing your intake of food by two chapatis, one bowl pulse, and the oil used in their preparation.
Always ensure that a pregnant woman’s weight increases gradually in the last six months of pregnancy. Encourage underweight mothers to gain more weight while those who are gaining excessive weight may be cautioned to restrict their weight gain during pregnancy.
Proteins: Proteins are needed for the growth of the foetus and maternal tissues. A mother should take about 14 gm. of protein more than the normal woman during the second half of pregnancy. Ensure that the protein is of good quality by combining cereals and pulses. Whenever possible, you can include milk/curd, egg, meat or fish.
Minerals And Vitamins: Minerals and vitamins are necessary for growth, for formation of red blood cells, formation of bones and teeth and development of the nervous system. Thus if is important for you to see that the pregnant woman takes enough of foods which will provide her with the necessary minerals and vitamins. Do you know which foods will supply these?
Pregnant And Non-Pregnant Woman [Nutrient] And Nutrient Requirement [Percent] Table:
Non-Pregnant Woman:-
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- K Calories – 100 Percent
- Protein – 100 Percent
- Folic Acid – 100 Percent
- Other Vitamin – 100 Percent
- Calcium Phosphorus, Magnesium – 100 Percent
- Iodine, Zinc – 100 Percent
- Iron – 100 Percent
Pregnant Woman:-
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- K Calories + 15% – 115 Percent
- Protein + 65% – 165 Percent
- Folic Acid + 100% – 200 Percent
- Other Vitamin + 15% To 33% – 133 Percent
- Calcium Phosphorus, Magnesium + 50% – 150 Percent
- Iodine, Zinc + 25% – 125 Percent
- Iron + 25 % – 125 Percent
Advise a pregnant woman to take sufficient cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, and
fruits – like Amla, Guava, Mausambi, Papaya, Mango. If she can afford it, ask her to
include milk and milk products, eggs, meat or fish in her diet.
Do’s And Don’ts For Pregnant Mothers
Every mother wants to have a healthy baby. Here are some tips or do’s and don’ts that may help you.
Some Do’s:-
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- Have a check-up regularly.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Take care of yourself, for your own sake as well as for the baby.
- Pay attention to your skin, breasts, teeth and blood circulation.
- Do a few simple exercises. These help you to relax.
- Avoid overexertion and violent exercise. Include sufficient roughage in your diet to avoid constipation. Vegetables including leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc. provide roughage.
- Drink plenty of water.
- If you are a diabetic, have a regular check up and see that the diabetes is well under control.
Some Don’ts:-
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- Do not curtail your diet even for short periods. This is not advisable. Especially eating too little cereals may harm the baby.
- Never take any drugs without a doctor’s advice and supervision. Some drugs are harmful for the baby.
- Smoking is harmful for the baby, so do not smoke.
- Do not drink alcoholic drinks. But if you do, do it moderately.
Problems Encouraged In Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many woman may suffer many problems like nausea and vomiting, constipation, toxemia, etc.
Nausea And Vomiting
These are common in the early part of pregnancy. You may find that eating snacks often help to prevent and overcome this discomfort. You may find that high carbohydrate diet in the form of small feeds is helpful. Food like, roti, toast or biscuits may help. You can eat a small amount of fruit or drink some fruit juice. It may be helpful to avoid strongly flavored foods, tea, coffee and spicy or oily foods. Remember nausea is just a passing phase.
Constipation
This condition occurs because as pregnancy progresses, the enlarged womb presses against the intestines and prevents their normal movement. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits as well as whole grain preparations to provide roughage. A glass or two of water taken before breakfast is often helpful. Some people find warm water more helpful than cold water. Many women tend to decrease their physical activity. Exercise helps to prevent constipation and also keeps the body fit.
Toxemia
Many women have swelling or puffiness around the ankles in late pregnancy. However in some women, especially in poorly nourished ones, this may be accompanied by high blood pressure and kidney problems. Toxemia has serious effects on the baby. Some babies may have retarded growth or lung problems and some may even die. To avert toxemia, a pregnant woman should have a nutritionally adequate diet.
Risk Factors For Malnutrition In Pregnancy
It is important for you to remember that there are some risk factors which may lead to poor nutrition and interfere with a successful pregnancy. These factors are:
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- Age below 18 years.
- Having children one after another with too short an interval [Say One Year].
- If the mother has other children and there is a history of abortions or miscarriages.
- Chronic diseases requiring special diet.
- Drastically underweight or overweight at the start of pregnancy.
- Lack of sufficient food.
- Alcohol abuse or taking drugs.
- Medication without medical supervision.
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Nutrition Through The Life Cycle – Infancy
Nutrition Through The Life Cycle – Preschool Age
Nutrition Through Life Cycle – The School Age
Nutrition Through Life Cycle – Adolescence
Nutrition Through Life Cycle – Adulthood
