There is a valuable link between the nutrition of the pregnant woman and the health of the baby in the womb. The physical and mental growth and development of the baby in the mother’s womb is possible with the mother’s adequate and stable nutrition throughout her pregnancy.
There are many factors that affect the birth of a healthy baby. You cannot control certain age characteristics and hereditary factors. However, during your pregnancy, you can give birth to healthy babies by eating adequately and consistently and avoiding some risk factors (alcohol, smoking, drug use, etc.) that are known to negatively affect pregnancy. Therefore, one of the cornerstones of both your baby’s and your health is adequate and stable nutrition.
Problems that may occur in the baby due to insufficient and unstable nutrition of the mother during pregnancy:
- Premature birth (premature)
- Low birth load baby (birth load 2500g’) Those below)
- Baby births with insufficient physical and mental development
- Dead births These issues that may occur as a result of inadequate and unstable nutrition; It is more common in women under the age of 18 (adolescent pregnant women) and women over 35 years of age, in women who become pregnant at frequent intervals (less than 2 years) and in women with multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets).
HEALTH ISSUES DUE TO NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY
Inadequate and unstable nutrition during pregnancy; adversely affects the health of mother and baby and reveals some health issues related to nutrition.
These are:
- Anemia (Anemia): Inability to meet the increased iron requirement during pregnancy, increased blood volume, frequent births (less than 2 years intervals) and decreased iron stores with abortions, dietary intake The main causes of anemia are the low use of iron (mostly plant-based iron) in the body and the ingestion of non-nutritive sources such as soil, paper and lime (pica). Anemia (anemia) in pregnant women; It can cause tachycardia, fatigue, dizziness, low birth load, and even infant death.
Why do you need more iron during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, hemoglobin level decreases with the increase in the mother’s blood volume. Iron is essential for the manufacture of hemoglobin, a component of blood. Hemoglobin is involved in the transport of oxygen to the developing baby through the placenta. A hemoglobin level of 11-12 g/dl is sufficient for a healthy birth.
In order to meet the need for iron in pregnancy, sufficient iron intake with food may be a problem (inadequate absorption from iron sources, low consumption of iron-rich foods). Therefore, in addition to an iron-rich diet (iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, legumes, whole grains and enriched grain products), iron supplements (supplements) should be taken with the recommendation of your doctor. Taking these drugs on an empty stomach or with fresh fruit juices increases the use of iron in the body. In addition, consuming foods such as vegetables and fruits, which are sources of vitamin C, at every meal helps the iron in foods to be absorbed in the body. Do not forget that the intake of tea and coffee with meals reduces iron absorption and causes anemia.
- Edema:
Although edema seen especially in the last three months of pregnancy is a natural phenomenon, the extent and extent of edema in the body is valuable. Untreated preeclampsia endanger the life of both mother and baby, and this condition can be even more dangerous later in pregnancy.
- Osteomalasia (bone tissue destruction)
During pregnancy, insufficient consumption of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for the production and health of bone tissue, and sunlight, which is a source of vitamin D, are at sufficient levels. Not being able to benefit from this causes calcium and phosphorus to be withdrawn from the mother’s bones, thus softening the bones and deterioration of the bone tissue (osteomalasia).
Adequate intake of calcium, which forms the bone structure during pregnancy, helps the development of the skeletal structure of the baby and the preservation of the mother’s bone mass.
Adequate consumption of calcium during pregnancy protects you from the risk of osteoporosis in the later period…
- Pregnancy poisoning (toxemia):
Many problems including malnutrition Depending on the cause, it occurs with severe edema in the hands and feet as a result of increased blood pressure (hypertension) and loss of protein in the urine in the last period of pregnancy. Since the placental circulation is not suitable, the baby cannot be fed properly and the baby may die. It can occur frequently in pregnant women with chronic diseases (kidney, heart disease, diabetic), advanced age (over 35 years old), women who have had multiple and frequent births.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders During Pregnancy:
Gastrointestinal disorders due to hormonal changes in pregnancy; morning sickness, constipation, heartburn and bloating. These discomforts can be alleviated with small changes in your diet.
Nausea
Nausea, which is mostly seen in the first trimester of pregnancy, is caused by hormonal changes, especially the increase in estrogen levels. While morning sickness is temporary for some pregnant women, it can happen all the time for others. Pregnant women may experience severe nausea/excessive vomiting, which may cause weight loss and water/electrolyte loss (dehydration). You can alleviate your nausea by making small changes in your diet:
- Since pregnant women’s sense of smell is very sensitive, odors that are not bad in the usual time can be disturbing in this period. You should not be in environments where food odors are heavy. You should avoid very spicy foods and other smells that cause nausea.
- Before getting out of bed in the morning; Consume crackers, plain toast, or dry cereals (breakfast cereals, cereal, etc.). In this way, the stomach acid level can be reduced by starting the digestive process.
- To prevent your stomach from being empty; You should consume food little by little and at frequent intervals throughout the day. Drink beverages between meals, not with meals. Eat your meals slowly.
- Prefer easily digestible carbohydrates such as plain pasta, crackers, potatoes, rice, fruit and vegetables. End your consumption of fried and other high-fat foods.
Constipation
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause your bowel muscles to relax and your bowel movements to slow down. This can result in constipation. Iron supplements (supports) used can aggravate constipation even more. You can prevent or alleviate constipation by making changes in your diet.
These changes:
- Consume foods with high fiber content such as vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, dried legumes. Increase your fiber amount by consuming at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits, whole wheat bread, whole grain products and legumes twice a week.
- Increase your daily fluid consumption. You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of fluid a day.
- Prunes, prune juice and figs can prevent constipation due to their natural laxative effects.
- Systematic physical activity ensures normal bowel functions. Walking, swimming and light exercises are the best exercises that can be done during pregnancy.
Heartburn/Burning
Heartburn, which is mostly seen in the last three months of pregnancy, is caused by the pressure of the baby on the digestive organs.
To alleviate discomfort:
- Eat your meals little by little and often.
- Avoid very oily and spicy foods.
- Do not consume caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa, as they may cause nausea and heartburn
- After meals, you can take a walk to suppress gastric secretion.
- You should keep your head high while sleeping and choose comfortable clothes.
- Do not use drugs such as antacids after consulting your doctor.
Craving
Craving that occurs with hormonal changes during pregnancy; It is defined as a severe craving for certain foods or a very aversion (disgust) state. Taste changes are usually the result of hormonal changes and usually resolve after the first month of pregnancy (or rarely after delivery). Too much reluctance in food intake and consequently insufficient consumption of some food groups
