Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation: Key Factors

Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation

Background

• Women’s nutrient needs increase during pregnancy (in the second and particularly the third trimester) and lactation.
• Pregnant women require more protein, iron, iodine, vitamin A, folate, and other nutrients.
  • Deficiencies of certain nutrients are associated with maternal complications and death, fetal and newborn death, birth defects, and decreased physical and mental potential of the child.
• Lactation places high demands on maternal stores of energy, protein, and other nutrients.
• As soon as the patient is pregnant, she should begin eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals and eat well-balanced meals.
• Patients are advised not to skip meals, eliminate caffeine and cigarettes, and drink plenty of water.

Consequences of Maternal Malnutrition

• Maternal:
  • Increased risk of maternal complications and death
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Anemia
  • Lethargy and weakness, lower productivity
• Fetal and infant:
  • Increased risk of fetal, neonatal, and infant death
  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight (LBW), prematurity
  • Birth defects
  • Cretinism
  • Brain damage
  • Increased risk of infection

Calcium

• One of the most important minerals. The daily intake during pregnancy is 1200mg.
• Sources: cheese, skimmed milk, yogurt, pudding, broccoli, salmon, etc.

Folic Acid

• Essential for a healthy baby and helps in the development of the brain and spine.
• It is especially important during early pregnancy when many women don’t know that they are pregnant.
• Women should take 400ug/day throughout the whole pregnancy, which may require supplementation.
• Sources: dried beans, tofu, peanuts, cereals, dark green vegetables, etc.

Vitamin B12

• Essential for proper nerve and brain functioning for the mother and the baby.
• Sources: animal products, soy milk, soy meat replacements, and supplements.

Protein

• Intake should be increased by 10g/day.
• Sources: milk, eggs, animal products, vegetables, seeds, grains.
• Daily intake of calories should be increased when pregnant and iron supplements should be maintained throughout pregnancy.

Nutrition During Lactation

• Nutritional needs increase during lactation in order to produce sufficient milk to provide enough nutrients for the child and the mother’s daily requirement.

• Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 requirements are all increased during lactation.
• Water: needed for milk production as a major content of milk is water: 2-2.5L/day