Special Nutrients Requirement during Pregnancy
June 16, 2009
Pregnant women have different diet requirements than normal women. The diet and nutrients which are consumed by pregnant women have direct impact on the development of the fetus. Proper intake of nutrients is important as it has bearing on the health of the women and the developing fetus. The diet should comprise of all the healthy nutrients and the quantity and quality are of utmost importance. Read further to explore the special nutrient requirements of the pregnant women.
Increased Nutrition in Diet – During pregnancy, the body has increased requirement of nutrients and energy. Additional energy is required for the development and maintenance of placenta, uterus and amniotic fluid. Pregnant should, in the early days should increase the calorie consumption by 150 calories and later to 250 calories daily in addition to her daily calorie consumption. Women need to increase the protein intake as well. Doctors prescribe supplements as well to be included in diet for healthy development of fetus.
Increased Intake of Vitamins & Minerals – Calcium, iron and folic acid need to be taken in appropriate amount in diet as most of the pregnant women are found to be undersupplied with them. Let’s read their importance in the healthy development of the fetus.
Calcium – During pregnancy, huge amount of calcium gets transferred to the fetus from the women’s body as it is required for the development of bone and teeth of baby. For the first six months, the women body stores the calcium in her bones and seventh months onwards, fetus starts drawing the calcium leading to the deficiency of calcium in mother’s body. Calcium consumption should be increased at this stage otherwise the bones and teeth of the mother becomes weak.
Iron – The blood volume of the women increases during pregnancy and the blood cells of the fetus also gets developed and hence the iron is required in higher quantity.
Folic Acid – folic acid is required for the development of the central nervous system of the fetus. Its quantity of intake also needs to be monitored carefully.
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