What Essential Nutrients Are Crucial During Pregnancy and Lactation

A balanced diet during pregnancy and lactation is vital for several key reasons. It ensures the proper growth and development of the fetus by supplying essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium. For the mother, it maintains overall health and supports the physiological changes occurring during pregnancy. Proper nutrition also helps prevent complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, and is crucial for the long-term health of both mother and child.

Why is a balanced diet important during pregnancy?

A balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy because it supports the mother's and baby’s health. Highly processed foods and those high in fats, sugars, and salt (HFSS foods) with poor nutrient content should be avoided. Instead, the focus should be on consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods to meet the increased nutritional demands of pregnancy and lactation.

Which micronutrients are particularly important during pregnancy?

Several micronutrients are essential during pregnancy due to their roles in fetal development and maternal health:

Folic Acid: Vital pre-pregnancy and within the first 28 days of pregnancy, folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects and supports erythropoiesis, the formation of red blood cells.

Iron: Both the mother and foetus need additional iron to meet the high demands of erythropoiesis.

Calcium and Vitamin D: These nutrients are crucial for the proper formation of the baby's bones and teeth, the secretion of breast milk rich in these nutrients, and to prevent osteoporosis in the mother.

What additional caloric and protein needs do pregnant women have?

During pregnancy, especially from the second to the third trimester, a woman of normal weight for height should increase her daily intake by an additional 350 calories. Protein needs also rise, requiring an additional 8 grams during the second trimester and 18 grams in the third trimester. According to the ICMR Nutrition Guidelines 2024, these additional calories and proteins should ideally come from micronutrient-dense foods rather than from foods containing only empty calories.

Are there other nutrients that should be emphasized during this time?

Yes, additional nutrients that should be emphasized include:

LCn-3PUFA (Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids): Important for the development of the foetal brain and retina.

Iodine: Adequate iodine intake, typically ensured through the use of iodized salt, is crucial for the development of the fetal and infant brain.

Vitamin A: Necessary during pregnancy and lactation to support the overall growth and development of the child.

Vitamins B12 and C: These vitamins are important for proper fetal development and to bolster the mother’s immune system and overall health.

Conclusion

During pregnancy and lactation, the nutritional demands increase significantly. Focusing on a diet rich in essential proteins, calories, and micronutrients can ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. By prioritizing these nutrients, prospective and new mothers can lay a strong foundation for their child’s future health.

Reference: ICMR-NIN Expert Committee, Dietary Guidelines For Indians - 2024