Nourishing the Journey: The Vital Role of Good Nutrition During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a transformative period in a woman’s life. The excitement that comes with the journey is unparalleled, an astonishing experience for everyone involved. In the miscellany of all of these emotions, good nutrition can easily be overlooked. It has recently been discovered the vitality of good nutrition during this time and how a lack of nourishment can undermine the health of the baby.    

In some underprivileged countries, women’s diets are lacking in main food groups, like dairy and legumes. Since the pandemic, malnutrition in adolescent girls and women has skyrocketed by twenty-five percent, from 5.5 million to 6.9 million.^[1] Malnutrition has severe effects when only one individual is dependent on the body’s nourishment. When two are reliant, the response can be detrimental.  Malnutrition can lead to an increased risk in neonatal death, which is defined by the death of a live-born infant within the first 28 completed days of life.^[1]  It can also impair fetal development with lifelong consequences for children’s nutrition and growth.^[1] However, these are just the effects on the baby. The effects on the mother are just as dangerous.

Vitamins are key in any diet. From iron to calcium, these nutrients are building blocks for exceptional health. Poor diet during pregnancy is represented with reduced levels of necessary vitamins, like iodine, iron, folate, calcium and zinc.^[2] This can often lead to anemia, preeclampsia, hypertension and more.^[2] Disease is a less harsh repercussion of this loss. Malnourishment leads to double the chances of maternal mortality.^[2] There are many elements when thinking about malnutrition in pregnant women like a lack of resources, prior health detriments and furthermore. These factors are out of one’s control and are not at all the fault of the mother . There are few and far between programs to help mothers sustain themselves and to aid with good maternal nutrition. It is vital for the health of children and women globally that there are more of these programs instituted as the malnourishment crisis continues to grow.  

We see the harms of malnutrition. But what can a good diet do for mothers and their babies? A well-balanced diet, rich in legumes, proteins, grains and healthy fats aid the immune system and reduce inflammation.^[4] Physiological changes and stressors can be a lot for women to bear during pregnancy, however this benefit makes it easier for them to cope with the adaptations. It also helps regulate blood glucose, weight fluctuations etc.^[4] Good nutrition can aid a pregnancy tremendously, making the process easier and less stressful for mothers.

Maintaining good nutrition during pregnancy has a few requirements. Eating nutrient-dense foods, smaller meals, staying hydrated and limiting processed food can ensure mothers getting the key nutrients to keep them and their babies healthy.^[3] If available, consulting with a healthcare provider or dietician is always a beneficial way of ensuring that your diet is in check. 

By eating healthily, pregnant women can enhance the health of themselves and their children. Empowering expectant mothers with the knowledge and resources to make informed dietary choices goes hand in hand in promoting positive birth outcomes and ensuring a healthy start for both mother and baby.

References

[1] Malnutrition in mothers soars by 25 per cent in crisis-hit countries, putting women and newborn babies at risk. UNICEF. (n.d.). https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/malnutrition-mothers-soars-25-cent-crisis-hit-countries-putting-women-and-newborn 

[2] Marshall, N. E., Abrams, B., Barbour, L. A., Catalano, P., Christian, P., Friedman, J. E., Hay, W. W., Hernandez, T. L., Krebs, N. F., Oken, E., Purnell, J. Q., Roberts, J. M., Soltani, H., Wallace, J., & Thornburg, K. L. (2022, May). The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: Lifelong consequences. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9182711/ 

[3] Nutrition during pregnancy. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2019, November 19). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/nutrition-during-pregnancy [4] Shenoy, S., Sharma, P., Rao, A., Aparna, N., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Pateña, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (2023, October 25). Evidence-based interventions to reduce maternal malnutrition in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Frontiers in health services. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10634505/#:~:text=Shockingly%2C%20malnourished%20women%20face%20a,in%202020%20occurred%20within%20LMICs.