improving mother health during pregnancy

Prenatal care: advice from dietitians to enhance mother health

There might be a lot of physical and hormonal ups and downs during pregnancy.As a result, doctors advise careful preparation that is in line withthe needs and conditions of the mother's body to guarantee a smooth and healthy pregnancy.This helps to avoid problems before, during, and even after the pregnancy.

Health tips: Nutrition for pregnant and lactating women

According to clinical nutritionist Shivika Gandhi Anand, pre-conceptionmeasures might be quite beneficial for new mothers in this situation."Pre-conception care aims at improving the health status of the expectant mother beforehand,by reducing behavioural and environmental factors that contributeto poor maternal and child health, in both short- and long-term terms" she said, adding that timely completion of screening tests such as bloo pressure and weight checks, blood tests (full body checkup, viral markers), and urine analysis is required.

Here’s what those looking to start a family should keep in mind

Nutrition therapy: Pre-conception nutrition is a vital part of preparing for pregnancy.

Folic acid: Folic acid is crucial because it can help avoid some severe brain and spine

birth abnormalities in the unborn child (spina bifida).

Starting at least one month before becoming pregnant,

take 400 mcg of folic acid everyday.

Vitamin D: Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is important because they

help the body absorb more calcium from the gut.

Iron: Due to monthly menstruation and low-iron diets, many women have low iron reserves.Increasing a mother's iron reserves aids in preparing her body for the demands of the developing foetus. Organ meats, liver, poultry, fish, leafy greens, whole grains,and pulses are excellent sources of iron.

Calcium: Building strong bones is a part of getting ready for pregnancy.A lack of calcium during pregnancy may cause the foetus to suck calciumfrom the mother's bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis in the mother in later life. Milk, ragi, lotus stem, yoghurt, cheese, and leafy greens are all excellent sources.

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by Lifestyle Desk New Delhi at 6:20:40 pm on December 20, 2022

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pregnancy

Developing strong bones is a part of getting ready for pregnancy.There might be a lot of physical and hormonal ups and downs during pregnancy.As a result, doctors advise careful preparation that is in line with the needsand conditions of the mother's body to guarantee a smooth and healthy pregnancy.This helps to avoid problems before, during, and even after the pregnancy.

ALSO READ |Health Advice: Pregnant and lactating women's nutritionAccording to clinical nutritionist Shivika Gandhi Anand,pre-conception measures might be quite beneficial for

new mothers in this situation.

Consume B vitamin, which is found in many different foods like citrus,

legumes, and leafy greens.Think about your weight. If you are really thin, getting pregnant could bemore challenging. Being overweight also makes you more likely to get diabetesand high blood pressure. Additionally, you don't want it to lengthen the labour process.Pre-conception care tries to improve the mother-to-health be's state prior to conception by lowering behavioural and environmental risks.

Get tested a few months before you start trying to conceive. Find out about:

Medical examinations or vaccines, prenatal vitamins, and advice on how to deal or manage any potential health problems.– Some drugs are off-limits to expectant mothers.Some medical professionals advise keeping your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day whiletrying to conceive and when pregnant. Alternately, try warm, spiced milk or decaf.Just one cup will do if you need to start your morning brew going.One should give up smoking and abstain from using cigarettes, alcohol,or other addictive substances.

Reexamine the safety of any current medications for diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, high blood pressure, and dermatological treatments. at least three months before you intend to begin trying for a baby,especially if you don't routinely visit the doctor. Your doctor should verify yourimmunisation status, check for STIs,test for heart-health problems like high blood pressure and cholesterol,and keep an eye on any chronic disorders (including diabetes, asthma or thyroid issues), according to the expert.