Dieting during pregnancy may result in anemia and inadequate brain development in the unborn child, according to experts. Pregnant women w...
Dieting during pregnancy may result in anemia and inadequate brain development in the unborn child, according to experts.
Pregnant women who diet to prevent weight gain are likely to seriously injure both themselves and their unborn children, according to nutrition and maternal specialists.
They cautioned that dieting during pregnancy can cause anaemia and put the baby's brain development at risk.
They emphasized that pregnancy-related weight increase is unavoidable and that healthy moms make healthy mothers.
Speaking only with professionals, they caution that inadequate nutrition during pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Nigeria.
Children of women who did not eat well or acquire enough nutrients during pregnancy do not achieve ideal growth or milestones, according to the former chairman of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter.
It's silly to go on a diet. You are aware that the unborn child is a necessary parasite. What do you understand by that? Even if the mother starves herself, the baby will still get all the nutrition it needs from the mother, whether the mother likes it or not.
"The baby will remove the nutrients it needs for growth if a mother is not eating for one reason or another and is not getting enough nutrition, putting the mom at risk.
The woman might get anemia. She might deliver the baby successfully, but she could pass away from a lack of blood in her system. Therefore, dieting is not recommended for a pregnant lady.
A specialist said that every woman gained approximately 12 kg during pregnancy and that it was difficult for women to avoid weight gain.
"Ideally, a pregnant woman should gain 12kg," he stated. Therefore, it is impossible for a woman to avoid gaining weight throughout a normal pregnancy.
If she puts herself on a starvation diet, she will seriously damage herself. The baby won't grow as well as it should if she refuses to eat out of concern for gaining weight. The woman's life will likewise be in danger.
"A woman who doesn't want to appear unattractive when she's pregnant shouldn't start trying to conceive in the first place.
Pregnancy is a biological ability given to women by God. Therefore, any woman who does not wish to fulfill that role should not become pregnant in the first place.
However, a lady should not become pregnant if she claims she doesn't want to gain weight while carrying a child.
If she puts herself on a starvation diet, she will seriously damage herself. The baby won't grow as well as it should if she refuses to eat out of concern for gaining weight. The woman's life will likewise be in danger.
"A woman who doesn't want to appear unattractive when she's pregnant shouldn't start trying to conceive in the first place.
Pregnancy is a biological ability given to women by God. Therefore, any woman who does not wish to fulfill that role should not become pregnant in the first place.
Prof. Ngozi Nnam, a professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said that inadequate nutrition during pregnancy can result in babies' brain development not developing as it should.
According to Nnam, it is inappropriate for pregnant women to make fun of their diet, especially in the first trimester.
According to the dietician, inadequate nutrition, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy, frequently results in babies' developing their brains improperly.
The nutritionist emphasized the need of a healthy diet throughout pregnancy in ensuring the foetus's optimal development.
According to Nnam, research has shown that a major risk of insufficient nutrition during pregnancy is inadequate brain development in the unborn child.
Poor nutrition, she explained, "will lead to insufficient development of the baby because nutrients are necessary for the healthy growth of the fetus's cells. Iron and other nutrients play a critical role in cell growth.
"When a pregnant woman stops consuming iron-rich foods, she becomes iron deficient, which has an impact on the fetus and causes the cells to form improperly. The kid will be born with deformity as a result of this.
The specialist suggested that expecting mothers usually eat well.
There is already strong evidence from epidemiologic studies that poor nutrition during pregnancy—such as insufficient intake, low protein, or deficiencies in micronutrients—is linked to subpar child development, including lower cognitive functioning, attention deficits, and disruptive behavior issues.
In a study titled "Poor diet during pregnancy may have a long-term impact on child's health," the authors suggested that mothers who consume unhealthy diets during pregnancy may be increasing the risk that their offspring will experience long-term, irreversible health problems, such as obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
"It appears that a mother's diet throughout pregnancy and while nursing her baby is crucial for the child's long-term health.
We frequently remark that you are what you consume. You might also be what your mother ate, if that's the case. This does not imply that having a poor diet and being obese are inevitable. It's critical that we look after ourselves and lead healthy lives. However, it does imply that pregnant women must consume food sensibly, according to the authors.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics estimates that an additional 300 calories per day are required to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The body stated that these calories should come from a balanced diet that includes whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
The article suggested limiting intake of sweets and fats and said that "a healthy, well-balanced diet can also help to reduce some pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and constipation."
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