Energy and Nutrient Needs during Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION:From conception to birth, all part of the infant body receive their nutrients from the foods the mother eats per meal. The nutrient needs during pregnancy and lactation are higher compared to any other time in women. To meet the high nutrient requirement of pregnancy, a woman need to make careful food choices, her body will also help by maximizing absorption and minimizing losses.

ENERGY: Pregnancy raises the basal metabolic rate and demands extra energy than usual. That is an addition of 340 kcalories per day during the second trimester and extra 450 kcalories per day during the third trimester. A woman can easily get these kcalories from these five food groups such as fruits, vegetables, grains,meat and legumes,milk and oils. 

 Nutrient-dense foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals,legumes,dark green vegetables, low-fat milk and milk products, citrus fruits, learn meats, poultry, fish and eggs. Much carbohydrate is needed to fuel the fetal brain. 

PROTEIN: The protein RDA for pregnant women is 25 grams per day higher than non-pregnant women. Pregnant women can meet their protein requirement by selecting meats, milk products, nuts legumes, whole grains and seeds.  Use of high-protein supplements during pregnancy may be harmful to the infant's development.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: The essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are important to the growth and development of the fetus. The brain is largely made up of lipid materials,and it depends on the long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for its growth, function and structure.

NUTRIENTS FOR BLOOD PRODUCTION AND CELL GROWTH:
As the fetus grows and develops new cells are laid down. All nutrients are important but folate, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc are needed due to their key roles in the synthesis of DNA and new cells.

NUTRIENT FOR BONE DEVELOPMENT: Vitamin D and the bone building minerals like calcium, magnesium,phosphorus and fluoride are in demand during pregnancy. Insufficient intakes may produce abnormal fetal bones and teeth.
   

NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT: Physicians routinely recommend daily multivitamin-mineral supplements for pregnant women. Supplements are generally beneficial for women who do not eat adequately and for those in high risk groups like cigarette smokers, women carrying multiple fetus, alcohol and drug abusers. The use of prenatal supplements may help reduce the risks of preterm delivery, low infant birthweights and birth defects.