Nutrition Across the Lifespan

Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation

 Nutrition requirements increases
tremendously during pregnancy and
lactation as the expectant or nursing mother
not only has to nourish herself but
also the growing fetus and the infant
being breastfed.

Pregnancy is a period of great physiological stress for a woman as she is nurturing a growing
fetus in her body.
Some changes occur in mother’s body which influences the need for nutrients and the efficacy
with which the mother’s body uses the nutrients.
1. BMR
- fetal growth and development increases the BMR by 5% during the 1st trimester and
12% during the 2nd and 3rd trimester, thus increases the total energy requirement.

2. GI changes
- there is an alteration in GI function which causes nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
In later trimester of pregnancy absorption of nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and
calcium increases in order to meet the nutritional needs of mother and fetus.
3. Changes in body fluids
- mother’s blood volume increases so as to carry the appropriate amount of nutrients to
the fetus and metabolic waste away from the fetus. With increase in the volume the
concentrations of plasma proteins, hemoglobin, and other blood constituents is
lowered.

Importance of Good Nutrition During Pregnancy

1. Mother has to nurture the fetus, health of the newborn depends on nutritional status of the
mother during and prior to conception.
2. A well-nourished woman prior to conception enters to pregnancy with reserve of several
nutrients that meets that needs of the growing fetus without affecting her own health.
3. A well-nourished woman suffer fewer complications, and few chances of premature
births.
4. A well-nourished mother will give birth to a healthy child.
5. Maternal diet during pregnancy has a direct influence on fetal growth, size and health of
the newborn.
6. Poor diet affects mother’s health, a malnourished mother provides nutrients to the fetus at
the expense of her own tissue
7. Poor nutrition increases the risk of complications such as prolonged labor and death
8. Inadequate diet affect the health of the baby during early infancy (anemia, rickets, etc.
due to lack of good immunity)

 First Trimester
 - a time of rapid cell division, organ development, and preparation for the demands of
rapid fetal growth that occur during second and third trimester
- no significant increase in the size of the fetus thus only qualitative improvement in
nutrients intake is required during this time.

Critical nutrition during this phase

1. Protein 3. Vitamin B12
2. Folic acid 4. Zinc

 Second and Third Trimester

- an increase nutrient intake is suggested. Energy intake is equally important since 90%
of fetal growth occurs during the last half of gestation.

Critical nutrition during this phase.

1. Protein 4. Magnesium
2. Iron 5. Vitamin B (folate)
3. Calcium 6. Omega 3, fatty acid

Optimal Weight gain During Pregnancy

Foods to Avoid
1) Fish and seafoods with metals, mercury
- shark, ray, swordfish, barramundi, germ fish, bluefin tuna
- eat other type of fish twice a week to obtain nutritional benefits
- avoid all types of shellfish, prawns and smoked fish
2) Raw and seared fish
- sushi, sashimi, uncooked fish

3) Red meat and chicken

- all meet and chicken thoroughly cooked or well done
4) Deli foods
- high risk for listeria, has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby
leading to infection or blood poisoning which maybe life threatening
 - processed and sliced meats (salami, smoked meats), and any
foods served from open containers (cheeses, olives, salads)
5) Fruits and vegetables
- washed thoroughly before eating
- do not use any that have gone moldy

6) Soft serve ice cream and yoghurts

- there is a list of listeria

7) Eggs and mayonnaise

- raw egg can contain salmonella, make sure all eggs are cooked
- avoid sauces and Caesar dressing
- avoid fresh mayonnaise as it could contain raw eggs

8) Peanuts
- to reduce chance of allergy

9) Eating out
- eat food that is served steaming hot
- avoid prepared salad (salad bars)
- check your burger patties if thoroughly cooked

10) Food additives (artificial sweeteners, MSG- can cause headache and stomach upset)
11) Water – drink purified, filtered, bottled water
12) Alcohol – can caused detrimental effects on the unborn baby
Diet and Feeding Patterns
1. Lactating mother requires larger quantities of body building and protective and protective
foods to facilitate the formation and secretion of breast milk
2. Fluid intake should be increased as fluids are essential for adequate quantity of milk
production.
3. No foods should be restricted except highly spiced and strongly flavored foods, as they
impart flavor to milk which may be repulsive to baby
4. To enhance nutrients, lactating mother should have 5-6 meals in a day.

Comparison of Nutrient Requirements in Pregnancy and Lactations