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Healthy Woman = Healthy Family 

           

As we all know, women need to be healthy throughout her life, this statement becomes more relevant during pregnancy. 

Nutritional Requirements are increased during pregnancy as food eaten by mother provides nourishment to mother and foetus. A pregnant woman should focus on a well-balanced diet taking foods from all the food groups including cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, oilseeds and milk products along with at least 8 glasses of water in a day.

Generally, energy requirement increases by 150 Kcal during the first trimester and 300-350 Kcal during the second and third trimester.

Nutrients to be focused more during pregnancy.

1.  Folate/ Folic Acid

Requirement: 

• normal Adult Woman requires 200 µg/day 
• a pregnant woman requires 400-500 µg/day

Role:

• foetal growth 
• synthesis of essential components of RNA and DNA 
• development of RBCs 

Deficiency: 

Impact on Mother:  

• Anaemia

Impact on Infant: 

• spontaneous abortion
• preterm labour 
• low birth weight 
• Neural Tube Defects (eg, Spina Bifida)

Sources: Dark Green Leafy Vegetables, Legumes, Orange Juice, Whole Grain, almonds, peanuts 

Note: Supplements are being provided to meet the nutritional requirements 

2.  Iron

Requirement: 

• normal Adult Woman requires 21 mg/day 
• a pregnant woman requires 35 mg/day

Role:

• Foetal Growth 
• Development of RBCs

Deficiency: 

Impact on Mother:  

• anaemia
• complications during labour 

Impact on Infant: 

• susceptible to Anaemia 

Sources: Dried beans, dried fruits, green leafy vegetables, eggs, fortified cereals and salt

Note: Iron needs Vitamin C to be absorbed in the body, therefore one should have the serving of vitamin C like orange, lemon, guava, strawberries along with iron.

3. Calcium

Requirement: 

• normal Adult Woman requires 600 mg/day 
• a pregnant woman requires 1200 mg/day

Role:

• calcification of bones and teeth of mother and foetus 
• protection of calcium resources of the mother to meet the high demands during lactation

Deficiency: 

Impact on Mother:  

• muscular Cramps 
• repeated pregnancy with the poor diet can result in osteomalacia

Impact on Infant: 

• decreased calcification of bones and teeth
• low birth weight 

Sources: Dairy products 

Note: Should not take calcium supplements with Iron supplements as Calcium alters the iron absorption.

4. Proteins

Requirement: 

• normal Adult Woman requires 55 g/day 
• a pregnant woman requires 82 mg/day

Role: 

• foetal growth 
• enlargement of uterus, placenta and mammary glands 
• formation of amniotic fluid and storage reserves for labour, delivery and lactation 
• transfer of amino acids from mother to foetus 

Deficiency: 

Impact on Mother:

• abortion 
• complication during delivery 
• ketosis 
• Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)
• may not gain enough weight 

Impact on Infant: 

• premature birth 
• low birth weight 
• fewer brain cells 

Sources: Milk, Meat, Eggs, Cheese, legumes, whole grains, nuts and oil seeds