|
|
Mother and Baby Diet and Nutrition
It is now widely accepted that factors affecting the foetus in utero
- including nutrition - play a very significant role in the development
and future health of the baby. Particularly important is the nutritional
status of both parents pre-conceptually, especially the mother at point
of conception and during the initial weeks of pregnancy.
We now suspect that adult diseases including heart problems, strokes
and diabetes often have their origins in the diet of the pregnant mother
which influences the baby and the child in later life. Research shows
that even the healthiest diet and exercise regime of an individual cannot
negate the effects of nutritional deprivation by the mother during pregnancy.
Lifestyle changes need to be made at an early stage to promote the best
outcome. These include the cessation of smoking, giving up alcohol,
avoiding drugs and minimising stress. Positive steps need to be taken
to improve overall dietary habits. Wendy Dole (1996) from the institute
of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition in London found that poor nutrition
increased the risk of low birth weight and premature babies and increased
further the chance of miscarriage.
It is essential to establish a healthy eating pattern before and throughout
pregnancy. If a balanced diet cannot be achieved, folic acid and multi-vitamin
supplements are also recommended. Evidence suggests that an increased
intake of folic acid around conception and up to 12 weeks into pregnancy
can minimize the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
 |
|
