Malnutrition during pregnancy, a leading cause of maternal death

Proper maternal care is essential for healthy intrauterine growth and can affect the baby's birth weight. Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy results in weight loss and low birth weight babies. Let’s take a look at the nutritional requirements of pregnant women and their adequate sources thereby promoting the healthy delivery of baby and mother.

Good nutrition is the most essential thing for pregnant women. It is essential to reduce maternal and child mortality. A pregnant woman’s health affects psychological, physical, developmental, behavioral, and work performance. Pregnant women need special care. Iron deficiency due to anemia is still the most common nutritional cause in India. 

The prevalence of anemia in India is 60-70%. In India, anemia is the second leading cause of death, accounting for 19% of all maternal deaths. First is malnutrition during pregnancy. Nutrition during pregnancy can be especially important in young mothers who have not yet completed their growth and development. Proper maternal care is essential for healthy intrauterine growth and can affect the baby's birth weight. Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy results in weight loss and low birth weight babies. Weight loss among many expectant mothers indicates malnutrition which is very much high, especially in lower socioeconomic areas. 

According to a study, about one-third of children in India have low birth weight, which ranges from 15% in Trivandrum to 46% in Baroda. However, it has also been shown that birth weight has improved as a result of improved health care as well as nutrition during pregnancy. 

Dietary requirements of pregnant women

Protein – 70-100 gms per day (increases every trimester). It is essential for ensuring proper growth of the baby’s tissues and organs, including the brain. It is also important for increasing blood supply. Some good sources are nuts, peanut butter, cottage cheese, and beans.

Calcium – 1200 mg. Calcium builds your baby’s bones and development. Some rich sources are milk, cheese, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables.

Iron – 27 mg. It is essential for adequate blood supply. This helps ensure that enough oxygen is supplied to both you and your baby. Do take vitamin C along with iron-rich foods like eggs, poultry, breads, and cereals.

Folate – 600-800 micrograms (mcg). Folate is important for the healthy brain development of your baby. Also known as folic acid. Its sources are eggs, nuts, lentils, beans, dark green leafy vegetables

Physical activity is also a must for pregnant women. Along with a nutrition-packed diet, physical activity helps them to manage their mental health, attain peace and relax. They should avoid intense workouts, and can consult a physician for the same. Choose an activity that you enjoy most. If you are a beginner, start slow, don't overdo it. Slowly increase your pace.

Hydration is also an important thing. Drink adequate water to prevent dehydration. Consult the doctor if you experience any problems. 

Healthy eating for pregnant women

  • 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day
  • Whole grains
  • Dairy products
  • Foods having essential fats
  • Prenatal vitamins

Foods to avoid

  • Alcohol
  • Half-cooked processed foods
  • Raw meats and seafood
  • Excessive caffeine

Conclusion – Women play a vital role in child’s nutrition. Women’s nutrition should be given extra consideration for a healthy delivery and good health of mother and baby. This will reduce malnutrition and mortality among women and also low birth weight babies.

Tags : #Health #Maternalcare #Pregnancy #Malnutrition #Healthypregnancy #Maternaldeath #lowbirthweightbaby #Nutrition #Nutritionduringpregnancy #Babycare #Mothercare #Foodstoeatinpregnancy #Unhealthyfoodsinpregnancy #dietaryrequirementsduringpregnancy #medicircle #smitakumar

Related Stories

Loading Please wait...

-Advertisements-




Trending Now

Surviving Against the Odds: Steven Spinale's Journey After an Ingrown Hair Turns DeadlyMarch 29, 2024
10 reasons why media research and Planning are essential in Healthcare marketingMarch 29, 2024
The Surprising Link Between Sleep and Age Perception: What You Need to KnowMarch 29, 2024
The Dark Side of Beauty: Kidney Damage from Hair Straightening TreatmentsMarch 29, 2024
The Dark Side of Beauty: Kidney Damage from Hair Straightening TreatmentsMarch 29, 2024
Avance Clinical at World Vaccine Congress to Share Latest Vaccine Clinical Trial News Including an HIV-1 StudyMarch 29, 2024
Sexual wellness superstore, Love Depot launches digital campaign to deliver every desireMarch 28, 2024
Recharge Your Life: Simple Ways to Boost Your Physical and Mental EnergyMarch 28, 2024
The Neurological Toll of Common Household Chemicals: Insights from Recent ResearchMarch 28, 2024
The Aging Puzzle: Decoding the Mechanisms of AgingMarch 28, 2024
The Double-Edged Sword of Kala-azar Treatment: Shedding Light on Eye ComplicationsMarch 28, 2024
FTCCI Launches Industry-Academia Connect to improve the employability of Engineering Graduates and address the growing demand for Talent in Emerging TechMarch 27, 2024
NTT and Olympus Begin World's First Joint Demonstration Experiment of Cloud Endoscopy SystemMarch 27, 2024
NTT and Olympus Begin World's First Joint Demonstration Experiment of Cloud Endoscopy SystemMarch 27, 2024
2nd Edition of IIFL JITO Ahimsa Run for peace & for non-violence to be held on 31st MarchMarch 27, 2024
Brij Hotels Announced 4 Million in Series A Funding March 27, 2024
Combatting Childhood Sedentariness: The Key to Preventing Premature Vascular DamageMarch 27, 2024
Crucial Findings: Unlocking Paths to Combat Ebola's DevastationMarch 27, 2024
Guarding Against Disease: The Crucial Role of Oral Hygiene in Preventive HealthcareMarch 27, 2024
Sanofi & Cipla announce exclusive distribution partnership to expand reach of CNS portfolio in IndiaMarch 26, 2024